Ricardo Jorge and the construction of a Medical Sanitary Public Discourse. Portugal and the International Scientific Networks”, The Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919: Perspectives from the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas

Abstract

Despite the impact of the Spanish flu on Portuguese society, the memory of the pandemic in Portuguese historiography and in public opinion circles has been sparse. This chapter points to the central role of Ricardo Jorge, the country prominent public official at the time in his capacity as director geral de saúde (director general of health). The chapter also seeks to elucidate the construction of a medico sanitary public discourse around the pandemic in Portugal. It pays particular attention to role R. Jorge played in establishing scientific connection between Portugal and the other countries, especially in this capacity as the nation’s representative to the Health Division of the League of Nations.