Public health

Kean informs Hench that Reed read his paper on the etiology of yellow fever at the Pan American Medical Congress in Havana, Feb 4-7, 1901. While Wood was convinced of the need to destroy mosquitoes, Gorgas was not and only began mosquito eradication at Wood's command.

Kean is excited about the discovery of the notebook at the New York Academy of Medicine. He was immune to yellow fever - after having it in June of 1900 - so was not bitten as part of Lazear's experiments. He is pleased with the memoir of Andrus, and lauds him for submitting to inoculation as Reed had determined to inoculate himself if Andrus had not volunteered.

Kean makes comments on the contents of the notebook found at the New York Academy of Medicine. He had recommended Carroll for volunteer commission of major, but it didn't happen. He discusses very positively the career of Russell. He thinks Andrus could sell his memoir for a good price. He includes a memorandum listing papers he read about the life and work of Carroll in 1907, shortly after his death.

Kean provides reasons for infection of yellow fever at Columbia Barracks and possible ways to prevent spread of disease. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

[Kean] writes an endorsement concerning modifications to orders for the Superior Sanitary Board.

Kean cites a lack of support for sanitary measures by the Cuban authorities, and an increase in the incidence of yellow fever. He requests assignment of another medical officer to his staff.

Thorpe believes that Wolcott is currently in England.

Thorpe seeks a recommendation for the best top-minnow species to use in the Yadkin River (Badin, North Carolina) for mosquito control.

Lazear describes the camp location and commanders. He offers his opinion of Cubans and reports that Mabel Lazear will leave for the United States before the fever season quarantine begins.

Mrs. Ames lists pamphlets in her possession regarding yellow fever.

Jessie Ames answers Hench's questions concerning her husband's role in the yellow fever experiments. She suggests that Hench contact her sister-in-law for further information on Ames. She states that it is difficult for her to examine the past, but feels that she should as a duty to her children.

Byrd tells Carter that long mosquito flights did not cause a great increase in malaria in Colon. He thinks the reopening of the Canal Zone to agriculturists will result in increased malaria. He sends Carter his paper detailing anti-malarial operations.

Smith provides detailed information on the steamer traffic between South America, Asia and Australia.

Cobb express his sympathy upon the death of Henry Carter.

Ferrell is impressed by Carter's suggestions of field experiments for malaria control. He discusses funding issues.

Long sends Carter copies of correspondence about a possible yellow fever case at Mobile, Alabama.

Long reports that there is yellow fever in Ceara, Brazil, and that steamers from Ceara are due in New York.

Moran discusses Cuban politics in general. He notes that the Finlay-Reed controversy is still ongoing, and there are strong anti-American sentiments connected with it.

Moran notifies Kissinger that they are going to receive the Finlay Medal from the Cuban Government in Washington, D.C. He provides further detailed information concerning the upcoming event and hopes that Kissinger will be able to attend. This letter was forwarded to Hench.

Gibson discusses his research on Sternberg. He thinks that Sternberg, along with Gorgas, was at first skeptical about the mosquito theory. However, he reconsidered that view before Reed went to Cuba. Like Hench, Gibson has not seen any confidential notes between Sternberg and Reed concerning the Yellow Fever Board.