The 1918 Influenza Epidemic in Santa Cruz County, California

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Did you know the influenza epidemic of 1918/1919 was the greatest medical emergency of modern human history? The city of Santa Cruz was spared the worst ravages of the epidemic, but Watsonville was hit hard; almost one percent of its population died.

By Greg Gardner

Introduction

The influenza epidemic of 1918/1919 was the greatest medical emergency of modern human history. More people died from influenza between thirty and fifty million–than during all of World War I. No location on the planet was spared, from Europe to the United States to Pacific islands to Eskimo villages in the arctic. Nor did the influenza virus respect social barriers; King Alfonso XIII of Spain nearly died from the flu. The epidemic severely impacted society: slowing government functions, shutting down businesses, and disrupting social interaction. The effect of the influenza epidemic varied from one place to another.

The city of Santa Cruz was spared the worst ravages of the epidemic, but Watsonville was hit hard; almost one percent of its population died. However, in both locales, people were the heroes and heroines: they donated money and goods, cared for family and friends, and volunteered in their communities.