I was always told a relative died circa 1914 of spinal meningitis. While researching some old newspapers, I saw reference to an outbreak of spinal meningitis in Jackson County in early 1913. One of the deaths (no names were mentioned) sounds eerily similar to the story I've been told.

I'm aware death certificates weren't required in Arkansas until 1914; and even then, they weren't always filed in rural areas until much later. Considering this was a public health issue, would any official records have been kept on this outbreak? Perhaps something as simple as a log of victims' names and ages?

I would greatly appreciate any help with this. Thank you.