On Oct. 3, 1918, Omaha reported its first influenza outbreak in the region, and the health commissioner ordered closures of schools, churches, and other public gathering locations.

Within less than a week, however, it became clear that Omaha’s epidemic would not be over any time soon. There were an estimated four hundred cases in the city, prompting health officials to request that physicians with light workloads pitch in to help those in need.