The so-called Great Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918 may have originated in France in 1916

2001/12/29 by John Oxford · 4 citations
Medicine · #Influenza Virus Research Studies #Viral Infections and Vectors #Travel-related health issues #Pandemic #Influenza pandemic #China #Outbreak #Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) #Geography #2019-20 coronavirus outbreak #History #Virology #Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) #Biology #Infectious disease (medical specialty) #Medicine #Disease #Archaeology

paper · doi:10.1098/rstb.2001.1012

openalex publication_date 2001/12/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

This discussion piece examines the likely epicentre of the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. Contrary to previous studies that have proposed a Chinese origin, there is documentation that suggests that, in this instance, the virus spread eastwards to China from Europe. Although more recent oubreaks of influenza have undoubtedly had an Oriental origin, the evidence indicates that future outbreaks could conceivably arise anywhere in the world.

Citations

• PURULENT BRONCHITIS.

Cited by

• The site of origin of the 1918 influenza pandemic and its public health implications
• Mortality burden of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in Europe
• Did the 1918–19 Influenza Pandemic Originate in China?
• Spanish flu [wikipedia]