People of the Investigation
Who led the U.S. Army’s yellow fever commission?
Walter Reed
What question were the scientists trying to answer?
What causes Yellow Fever
Where did the investigation take place?
Cuba
Name one symptom of yellow fever.
Fever, chills, vomiting, etc
Why did scientists risk infection?
To find the truth and save lives
Which doctor first suggested mosquitoes carried yellow fever?
Carlos Finlay
What insect spreads yellow fever?
Mosquito
Why was yellow fever common there?
Hot, humid climate and standing water
What body change gives yellow fever its name?
Why was using human volunteers controversial?
They could die or get sick
Which volunteer scientist died after being bitten by a mosquito?
Jesse Lazear
What method did Reed’s team use to test Finlay’s theory?
Human experiments with mosquito bites
What made Havana dangerous for disease?
Unsanitary conditions and mosquitoes breeding
What organ does yellow fever damage?
The liver
What does “informed consent” mean?
Volunteers knew the risks and agreed
Who continued experimenting even after becoming ill?
Why were volunteers needed?
To prove mosquitoes transmit the disease
How did they control the spread after discovery?
Drained water, used nets/screens
Is yellow fever contagious by touch?
No
Why was Finlay not believed at first?
His theory lacked proof and sounded odd
Who helped collect evidence and run experiments in Cuba?
Aristides Agramonte
What was the team’s most important discovery?
Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes, not direct contact
What year did major experiments take place?
1900
What modern tool prevents yellow fever?
Vaccine
How did this investigation change medical research?
It improved ethics and testing methods