Hi there Bob Lamparter -- At 8:59 AM -0400 8/28/97, you wrote in part: >>> I may be wrong, but I believe that this strain was brought to >>>the US by the returning GI's from WWI. {SNIP} >epidemic began in pigs, and jumped the species barrier to humans. I >recall that article mentioning that the flu epidemic began in the US. > >OK OK, so it's a little afield from genealogy - I'm Dutch. I say what's >on my mind. Thanks much for taking the time to post your response. One of my grandfathers died in the influenza epidemic of 1917-18 and I appreciate your remarks. Causes of deaths whether they explain single events, genetic/family risks or provide context for large losses of life within communities are a very real and valuable part of this darned search we share -- not afield from genealogy at all. Again, thanks very, VERY much for posting your response. Good luck and good hunting, Mark Merritt merroots@ix.netcom.com