Rjazancev S.V, Smirnov A.V., Ladik M.V. (2022).Migration as one of the factors of the spread of the Russian flu in 1889-1890. Migration law, 1, 3-8. DOI: 10.18572 ...

Abstract

Purpose. The study is associated with an assessment of the impact of external and internal migration, during the period of resettlement policy, on an outbreak of an influenza virus that allegedly originated in Western Siberia and caused an epidemic in the Tomsk province in October 1889 and spread over almost the entire territory of the country in a few months. Methods. The methodological basis of the study was the traditional general scientific principles of historicism and objectivity, whichguarantee an impartial and comprehensive coverage of the factors of the spread of the “Russian flu” virus. Results. At the end of November, the “Russian flu” appeared in the capitals of European states, causing a significant increase in mortality. However, in Russian cities, the influenza virus did not cause such a significant increase in mortality as in European cities. Conclusions. The “Russian flu” virus spread throughout the territory of the Russian Empire in a few months due to the migration of the population. At the end of the 80s. In the 19th century, migration processes were clearly manifested in the form of otkhodnichestvo and resettlement, especially to Siberia — presumably the cradle of the virus that caused the pandemic.