Story: Epidemics

Early influenza epidemic

A newspaper clipping.

Influenza is one of the first infectious diseases known to have reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand. It was widespread during 1852 and 1853. A European traveller noted that influenza was rife among Māori in Taranaki and Whanganui when he visited those regions in 1853. This extract from his journal was published in the Taranaki Herald.

Using this item

National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: Taranaki Herald, 8 March 1854, p. 3

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Geoff Rice, 'Epidemics - Epidemics, pandemics and disease control', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/27772/early-influenza-epidemic (accessed 16 April 2024)

Story by Geoff Rice, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 8 Feb 2024