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Friday, February 27, 2026

"THE CASES ARE MOSTLY MILD, NO CAUSE FOR ALARM"

INFLUENZA HITS AMARILLO, FIFTH OF CITY'S POPULATION SICK

Amarillo, Texas (JFK+50) On February 27, 1926, Associated Press reports that "approximately 3000 persons" here in the city of Amarillo* "are sick with influenza**."  This represents one fifth of the population.

Fortunately, AP adds that the cases are mostly "mild" and are no cause for alarm.  No deaths have been reported as a result of the influenza epidemic.

Public schools, however, have been temporarily closed to disinfect classrooms.  They will reopen on Monday.

*Amarillo is located in the Texas panhandle & is gateway to Palo Duro State Park.  It is home of the American Quarter-horse Hall of Fame & Museum.  Its 2024 population 203,729.

**Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness spread by viruses causing fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and fatigue.  It commonly lasts 3 to 7 days.

SOURCE

"Fifth of Population In Amarillo, Tx., Ill of Influenza," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 27, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/


Route 66 Commemorative Water Tower
Amarillo, Texas
Photo by Cullen328
CC BY-SA 4.0