Marking Time: Meningitis epidemic takes its toll on Camp Jackson         Susanne Kappler    Leader Staff

In November 1917, four months after Camp Jackson was established, the post faced its first major crisis. Shortly after the installation had overcome outbreaks of measles and pneumonia, a spinal meningitis epidemic forced the installation into quarantine. By Dec. 8, more than 30 cases of the disease and five fatalities were confirmed. The hospital was placed under quarantine to prevent the illness from spreading. Many buildings on the camp were closed, and patrons of the dining facilities were forced to eat outdoors. Dances and other gatherings were canceled. The post YMCA shut down and barracks were under strict “ventilation orders,” meaning the windows had to be open at all times despite freezing temperatures. At this point, Soldiers were asked to stay away from theaters and other places of assembly in Columbia. Since Soldiers were deterred from assembling in buildings, the camp’s leadership encouraged them to participate in outdoor activities. The situation quickly deteriorated and by Dec. 15, orders were issued that prohibited Soldiers from leaving Camp Jackson unless they were on official business. Those leaving the post had to be examined first to make sure they did not carry the meningitis virus. By that time, many civilian workers had deserted the installation. Those who remained were not prohibited from going into town, but were ordered not to come into contact with Soldiers while on post. In a statement published Dec. 22, 1917, in the Trench and Camp newspaper, Camp Jackson’s commander, Brig. Gen. Charles H. Barth, assured the public that the base had control of the situation. “While the disease is always dangerous, and some deaths must be expected, the results obtained in the military service and in the base hospital will compare favorably with those obtained anywhere else in the United States,” he said. The meningitis outbreak had a grip on the installation for an estimated two to three months. It is unknown how many people contracted the disease.