Last Survivor of 1925 Diphtheria Epidemic in Alaska Passes Away

Jirdes Winther Baxter, the last known survivor of a devastating diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska, has died at the age of 101. Baxter passed away on January 5, 2024, in a hospital in Juneau, as confirmed by her son, Fred J. Baxter.

In 1925, when she was just 11 months old, Baxter was hospitalized with diphtheria during an outbreak that would lead to a heroic sled dog relay. The relay covered nearly 700 miles, delivering a lifesaving serum to the isolated community, which faced a dire health crisis. A copy of her medical records, held by Fred Baxter, reveals that she was admitted to a local hospital on January 30 with the disease and a high fever.

The Diphtheria Epidemic and Its Impact

The outbreak began to escalate in mid-January 1925, resulting in the deaths of two young children. Dr. Curtis Welch, the only physician in the gold-rush town of approximately 1,400 residents, recognized the impending danger. He implemented a quarantine in Nome and sent a radio telegram to other towns, warning of the situation and seeking urgent assistance from the U.S. Public Health Service.

The nearest supply of antitoxin, crucial for treating diphtheria, was located 1,000 miles away in Anchorage. The community’s situation became increasingly desperate, prompting Dr. Welch to act swiftly to prevent further casualties.

The legendary relay, known as the Great Race of Mercy, involved a series of dog teams racing against time to deliver the antitoxin. Despite extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain, the relay was successful, ultimately saving countless lives in Nome.

A Legacy Remembered

Jirdes Winther Baxter’s life spanned over a century, during which she witnessed significant changes in the world. Her survival story from such a harrowing episode in Alaskan history highlights the resilience of individuals during public health crises. Her mother, Ragnhild Winther, and her brother, John Winther, were also hospitalized during the outbreak, while her father, Johan Winther, and another brother were spared from the illness.

As the last known survivor of this epidemic, Baxter’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Alaska’s history. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced during the diphtheria outbreak and the heroic efforts that followed. The legacy of the sled dog relay continues to resonate, symbolizing community spirit and determination in the face of adversity.