The Spanish Flu Hits Delaware in 1918-- Part 2: A Family's Tragedy

The order remained in effect for more than three weeks.  Yet, even with these precautions, it did not stop the virus.

As the situation in Delaware worsened,  the state became so overwhelmed that the Health Department tried to divert influenza patients to Philadelphia hospitals.  The flu, however, knew no state borders.  Philadelphia was unable to come to Delaware's rescue, as they too were completely overwhelmed by the disease.

Nearby, at Memorial Hospital in New Jersey, Mr. John Kingsman, 36, died on Monday afternoon.  Days earlier, his 17-year-old daughter died in the same spot, though he never knew it.    Those who were taking care of him couldn't bring  themselves to tell him that.  Making it worse, just a week after his mother and step-brother had died in Dover, his teen-aged daughter was also dead.

"When it comes to pandemics, there is no rational  basis to believe that the 21st century will be much different from the past.  If a pandemic strikes, it will come to Delaware."

Coronavirus cases and deaths in Delaware as of April 13, 2020: 1,761 cases and 41 deaths.

--Cooter