16/9/1918 The more deadly return of the influenza pandemic #1918Live

After its mysterious emergence earlier this year, the influenza epidemic had appeared to abate as the summer wore on, so much so that some thought that it was effectively over. This belief was unfortunately premature. A second wave of the influenza has now erupted, emerging simultaneously in Brest, Baltimore and the West African port of Freetown, all ports playing a vital role in the Allied war effort. From these three centres it has spread rapidly across the globe, crossing the lines and affecting the malnourished Central Powers as much if not more so than the Allies.

The first wave of the influenza pandemic was more infectious than an ordinary flu but not noticeably more lethal to those who contracted it, with mortality rates remaining at around 1% of those infected. Since then however the influenza has undergone some kind of mutation and it is now killing some 2.5% of those…