Yellow fever

Moran wants Kean to explain to Nogueira that there shouldn't be any hostility between Cuba and the U.S. caused by distinguishing between Finlay “discovering” the mosquito theory and Reed “demonstrating” the theory. Kean also mentions his letter to Moran about Guiteras' speech given in Havana in 1900, which gives a proper analogy for the Finlay--Reed discovery.

Kean shares family news. He is glad to receive copies of Walter Reed's diplomas and describes Truby's visit. He is relieved to hear that Building No. 1, at Camp Lazear, will be preserved.

Kean discusses his case of yellow fever. He maintains that there is no proof Ames ever contracted yellow fever. He writes that Lazear conducted secret experiments, and discusses Moran's draft of his memoirs.

Kean feels Moran is too contentious about the Cuban medical profession taking all the credit for the yellow fever discovery. Kean tells Hench the advice he gave Moran about how to approach his autobiography, or memoirs, without angering the Cubans.

Kean remembers a conversation with Gorgas, who believed that Reed had found a way of producing mild, non-fatal yellow fever. As such, Gorgas planned to start inducing experimental cases. Kean comments on the planned commemoration of Reed by the Fourth International Congress of Tropical Medicine and Malaria. He hopes that they will include a Cuban speaker for the event.

Kean discusses Wallace Forbes, a yellow fever volunteer who disappeared November 24, 1926 while in the service. He suggests that Forbes' medal be given to his sister.

Kean discusses the career of McCoy. He answers Hench's questions from a previous letter. According to Kean, Gorgas initially rejected Reed's mosquito theory.

Kean relates the incident in which Carroll broke quarantine and ruined the validity of the experiment. Reed told Kean that he was quite irritated with Carroll's actions.

Kean corrects a case of mistaken identity in a photograph Hench had sent to him, and provides details about his assignments in Cuba.

Kean comments on a book by Powell that cites Reed's work and that of other physicians.

Kean refers Hench to some letters from Sternberg to Reed and to Chaille, and comments on developments resulting from the yellow fever experiments.

Kean approves of Amador's idea for a popular history of yellow fever. He relates his recollections of the X.Y. yellow fever case.

Kean rejects Nelson's article on the grounds of inaccuracies. Kean informs him of the Walter Reed Memorial Association's work and Peabody's efforts to lobby Congress for pension increases for the survivors.

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 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.

Kean informs de Niedman that he will testify on behalf of a pension bill to recognize the work of the Yellow Fever Commission and volunteers, including Agramonte.

Carroll thanks Latimer for her sympathy. She notes additional speakers for the meeting at Johns Hopkins.

Carroll thanks Kelly for his letter of sympathy. She will loan him a photograph of her late husband.

Wilson relays Kissinger's situation to Kelly.

Wilson writes to the Editor concerning the situation of Kissinger. She hopes that something can be done for him.