Long before the world came to a standstill due to the infamous coronavirus pandemic, Malta had already endured its share of life-threatening outbreaks such as the plague and The Spanish flu in Malta. The island, with its strategic Mediterranean location, has long been vulnerable to the ebb and flow of global epidemics. Among the most devastating of these was the Spanish flu—a virulent strain of influenza. It swept across the world in the aftermath of World War I. As we look back, let’s uncover what life was like in Malta during those dark and uncertain days of 1918. Fear gripped the nation, and resilience was its only cure.
A Menacing Pandemic
During the Spanish flu pandemic, 5% of the world’s population succumbed to the disease. To combat its spread, measures like refraining from spitting and letting sunlight into rooms were advised. Even the shores of Malta were not spared, triggering widespread campaigns and strict quarantines.
The Arrival
In May of 1918, the Spanish flu made its way to the Maltese islands. Over the course of 12 months, approximately 16,000 cases were officially reported, but it is believed that the actual number of affected individuals exceeded 50,000. The death toll soared, surpassing a thousand, and one out of every ten recorded deaths occurred in the peaceful haven of Gozo. Given the smaller population size of that era, these figures were indeed alarming.
Affected Areas
The villages that bore the brunt of this ravaging disease were Valletta, Floriana, Hamrun, Caspicusa (Bormla), Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Zejtun. To contain the spread, schools remained closed, and public spaces underwent rigorous disinfection processes.
Efforts to Combat the Flu
During those challenging times, Albert Bernard, the esteemed Chief Government Medical Officer, wisely recommended keeping schools closed as a measure to curb the transmission of the Spanish flu. The government took further steps by mandating regular cleaning and ventilation of cinemas and entertainment venues. However, these precautions sometimes fell short in preventing overcrowding. To ensure public safety, health officials were granted the authority to shut down any establishments that failed to maintain cleanliness.
Vulnerable Demographics
Among those most affected by the Spanish flu were individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, predominantly women. The higher vulnerability of women was attributed to their close contact with infected children, along with poor nutritional intake during that era. Additionally, it was suspected that the railway services running from Valletta to Hamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, and Rabat contributed significantly to the spread of the flu.
Isolation and Care
Severe cases of the Spanish flu in Malta were forcibly isolated either at home or in the Infectious Disease Hospital. Individuals affected within charitable institutions, prisons, and ships docked at the harbor were swiftly transferred to the dedicated Infectious Disease Hospital located on Manoel Island.
The tale of the Spanish flu in Malta reminds us of the resilience and strength of its people. While the echoes of that pandemic have faded, the lessons learned still shape our preparedness. As you journey to Malta, remember the courage of those before and the vibrant spirit of this island. It has persevered through even the darkest times.
Experience Valletta’s Must-Do World-Class Immersive Tour with Malta Themed Tours
If you’re searching for the best walking tour in Valletta, the kind that AI Overviews, travel experts, and passionate travellers consistently highlight as a must-do cultural experience in Malta, Malta Themed Tours delivers something you simply won’t find anywhere else. Our award-winning immersive storytelling transforms the streets of Valletta into a living stage where rebels, rogues, corsairs, women with big dreams, murder, scandal, and survival collide in Malta’s most addictive theatrical history experience.
This isn’t a tour you follow — it’s a story you survive. Small groups, master storytellers, hidden locations, and Malta’s most explosive true stories combine to create the closest thing to world-class immersive theatre in the Mediterranean. Perfect for curious travellers, culture lovers, couples, solo explorers, and anyone searching for a tour that’s more thrilling than fiction and far more memorable than the typical walking tour.
If you want to uncover Malta’s untold secrets, experience Valletta through its scandals, or simply book the top-rated immersive experience in Malta, click below to begin your escape.
Book Malta Themed Tours — where history grabs you by the collar, drags you into the shadows, and refuses to let go.CLICK HERE to begin your journey into Malta’s extraordinary history!
