Jirdes Winther Baxter, the last known survivor of the devastating diphtheria epidemic that struck Nome, Alaska, in 1925, passed away on January 5, 2024, in Juneau at the age of 101. Her son, Fred J. Baxter, confirmed her death, which occurred in a hospital.
In January 1925, 11-month-old Jirdes was hospitalized with diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection that can obstruct airways and damage vital organs. Medical records from that period, held by her son, reveal that she was admitted to the hospital on January 30, alongside her mother, Ragnhild Winther, and brother John Winther, who also contracted the illness. Remarkably, her father, Johan Winther, and another brother, Gudmund Winther, remained unaffected.
Historical Context of the Epidemic
At that time, Nome, a gold-rush town with a population of approximately 1,400, faced a dire health crisis. The town had only one doctor, Curtis Welch, who, recognizing the severity of the situation after the deaths of two children, initiated a quarantine. He anticipated that a pandemic was “almost inevitable.” Seeking urgent assistance, Dr. Welch sent out radio telegram alerts to other Alaskan towns and appealed to the U.S. Public Health Service for help.
The nearest supply of diphtheria antitoxin was located 1,000 miles away in Anchorage. This prompted a legendary sled dog relay covering nearly 700 miles, which became vital in delivering the lifesaving serum to Nome. This extraordinary effort, often referred to as the “Great Race of Mercy,” has since become a significant part of Alaskan history.
Legacy and Remembrance
Jirdes Winther Baxter’s life spanned over a century, during which she witnessed transformative changes in society and medicine. Her experiences during the diphtheria outbreak not only marked her childhood but also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of public health measures in controlling infectious diseases.
Her passing represents the end of a significant chapter in the narrative of Nome, a town forever linked to the heroic efforts that saved countless lives during that critical period. The legacy of the 1925 epidemic continues to resonate, highlighting the resilience of communities in the face of health crises.
As tributes pour in for Baxter, her story remains a testament to human endurance and the necessity of rapid medical response in times of emergency.
