File:Walter Reed letter to Lieutenant Truby (Reeve 67753), National Museum of Health and Medicine (4837288053).jpg

Walter Reed letter to Lieutenant Truby (Reeve 67753), National Museum of Health and Medicine

Description: Letter from Walter Reed to Lieutenant Truby on December 10, 1900 from the Columbia Barracks. Letter announces advances in experiments that indicate that yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes, not direct contact with infected material.

Text reads: "“My dear Dr. Truby/Just a line to thank you for the mosquitoes which came safely several days ago, (and which proved to be beautiful specimens of C. fasciatus), and, also, to tell you that the theory is alright! Our first case came down in camp (Kissenger) on Saturday night—was bitten on 5th at 11:20am by two 21 day “birds,” one 19 day, on 16 day, and one 12 day “bird.” Initial chill 11:30 at night, Saturday; first 84 hours (3 ½ days) following, with rise of T. to 100 degrees, severe headache and backache, with [infected?] eyes. T at midnight 101 degrees and at 9am 102.2 &c! The case is a beautiful one and will be seen by the Board of Havana Experts to-day, all of whom except Finlay, consider the theory a wild one!/ Cooke and Co. in infected bedding house are enjoying their usual health, but much relieved when told that C. fasciatus had got in his work! Congratulations are now in order—Love to my boy—Sincerely, your friend, Walter Reed”

Date: December 10, 1900

Photo ID: Reeve 67753

Source collection: OHA 80: Reeve Photograph Collection

Repository: National Museum of Health and Medicine, Otis Historical Archives