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• 12 / 04 / 2008

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On August 14th, 1881, Finlay established scientifically, for the first time, that the Aedes aegypti mosquito was the principle of the vector of the disease.

The research work of Enrique Beldarrain and Jose A. Lopez details that the Cuban scientist did not only find the key to the contagion of the disease but also conceived the health measures to fight the illness.

The researchers added in the history of Cuban medicine the fact that he began the investigation that led years later to the discovery of the vaccine against yellow fever.

These services to humanity would have placed him among the greatest benefactors of the epoch.  However, practically from the moment of the confirmation of his theory, unscrupulous elements attempted to dismiss his scientific glory or minimize its significance.

There are publications, added the researchers, which attribute the priority of the discovery to Dr. Walter Reed, who can only respond to the merit of having confirmed the claims of Finlay.

On February 4th, 1901, health work began in Cuba, according to the principles established by Finlay.  In less than one year resounding health results were obtained, which were recognized by General Leonard Wood, Dr. in Medicine and Military Governor in Cuba during the US intervention (1899-1902).

The records in the 10th, 14th and 15th editions of the International Congress on the History of Medicine held in Madrid and Rome recognize the illustrious Cuban and express in its records that "he is the only one recognized as the discoverer of the vector of yellow fever and the application of his doctrine on health in the tropics".

(ACN)