Precautions Taken Due to Flu Epidemic

Summary

In response to the influenza epidemic raging across the globe, H. S. Mustard, the Medical Officer in Charge, District of Columbia Sanitary Zone, Bureau of Public Health Service, Treasury Department, issues an edict requiring stringent sanitary measures in the National Museum. The buildings are to be thoroughly ventilated before employees arrive each morning. Twice each day, at noon and 2:30 pm, all employees are to take a recess and remain outdoors for fifteen minutes. The buildings are to be thoroughly ventilated while they are outside. All telephone transmitters must be disinfected twice each day. Gauze masks, covering the nose and mouth, are to be worn by all employees who have direct contact with the pubic. The order was cancelled on November 13, 1918.

Subject

• Mustard, H. S
• United States Dept. of the Treasury Bureau of Public Health Service
• United States Bureau of Public Health Service District of Columbia Sanitary Zone
• United States National Museum

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 157, Smithsonian Institution, Buildings Management Department, Records, 1881-1973, Box 54, Folder: General, 1881-1945; Hygienic and Sanitary Conditions

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

October 10, 1918

Topic

• Prevention
• Influenza
• Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919
• Epidemiology
• Diseases
• Epidemics
• Influenza--Prevention

Place

Washington (D.C.)

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