100 years since the outbreak of the Spanish flu
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At the moment, the world feels a bit upside down as we are in the middle of a pandemic. Many countries have "paused" and closed their borders. Sweden has distinguished itself by choosing a different approach that means great freedom for those of us who live here. However, many people are affected by the closure of borders with neighboring countries, and Arjeplog will feel the consequences of this for a long time. It is tough. Tough not to see our loved ones on the other side of the border, when the cottage people don't show up, when a large group of customers can't come to our shops and facilities. But we know that Arjeplog residents get through crises, and by looking back 100 years to another pandemic, we can bring perspective to the present.
100 years. That's how long ago Arjeplog was hit by the worst infection in human history, second only to the Black Death.
100 years. No longer ago than you know someone who knew someone who was affected by the Spanish flu. Or maybe you've known someone who had first-hand accounts of Arjeplog in 1920. Then you know that late winter did not come with hopes of an imminent spring winter and spring, but it was the winds of death and sorrow that blew through Arjeplog.
The winter market of February 12-14, 1920 marks the real start of the Spanish flu in Arjeplog. Until then, Arjeplog had been largely spared from the infection, but when it first took hold, it happened incomprehensibly fast - in just a few weeks in February and March, 87 people died. In total, 96 people died from Spanish flu in Arjeplog in 1918-1920, but the lives and fortunes destroyed in its wake are infinitely greater. The Spanish language is still a painful wound in Arjeplog's consciousness.
100 years. Fortunately, a lot has happened in that time. Roads have been built, almost everyone now has access to a telephone, we have high-quality healthcare facilities and we have ambulances. When the Spanish flu outbreak hit Arjeplog, there had not been a doctor here for many years, the nearest was in Arvidsjaur, 9 miles away, where the pharmacy was also located. After the ravages of the Spanish flu, it became clear that a community like Arjeplog was extremely vulnerable and that the need for a doctor on site was great. Therefore, in 1922, a young, newly trained provincial doctor was hired, who in time became known as the "Lapland Doctor".
It is 100 years since Arjeplog was hit by the worst plague in human history, second only to the Black Death. Although it is a painful memory of when Arjeplog was transformed into the courtyard of death for a few weeks, we will draw attention to the ravages of the Spanish in the municipality during the year. So keep an eye on our website or follow us on social media where we will tell you when, where and how.
