Journal of Dr. Jesse William Lazear
Camp Lazear, Cuba, 1900
12 September
Reviewed all prior exposures. Hypothesis remains unconfirmed through observation alone. Confirmation of Finlay's vector theory requires deliberate infection. No further delay justified.
Therefore, I will subject myself to a controlled bite.
Have not told others. They would undoubtedly object.
Have not told Mabel. Should I recover, it will not matter. Elsewise, this spares her some days of heartache.
I undertake this in the interest of science, and of course my aim and hope is that I should recover.
13 September
Deliberate exposure initiated. Mosquito specimen (Aedes aegypti) allowed to feed on subject's forearm at 09:15 hrs.
Objective: test Finlay's hypothesis; confirm vector transmission of yellow fever
Minor erythema noted at site. No adverse symptoms as yet.
17 September
Febrile onset this morning: 101.3°F. Headache, dorsalgia, photophobia. Textbook progression.
No confessions.
20 September
Fever remitted, albeit briefly. Jaundice visible in sclera. Nausea, myalgias persist.
21 September
More difficult to write, even to hold pen. Find myself thinking of Mabel. Perhaps I should have told her? No. Better she not know. If I do not recover I
22 September
Pain great. Can't (illegible)
24 September
—
[Illegible entry]
Postscript by Dr Walter Reed, M.D., U.S. Army Medical Corps (Major)
Dr. Jesse Lazear died 25 September 1900. His journal confirms deliberate infection with yellow fever via Aedes aegypti. His findings advance our understanding beyond speculation.
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Thank you for reading!
This is a fictionalised account of Dr Jesse William Lazear, who proved the theory that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever... By letting one bite him. He confirmed the theory, but unfortunately he also died.
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L.C. Schäfer
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Comments (9)
Taking one for the team?
I was wondering where you were going with this. Didn't expect a historical fiction short story.
Love the format of this and the term 'Curious George' comes to mind. I knew he was doing it for the sake of science, but that's what mice are for, lol. Just kidding, I feel bad for them too. Thankfully, his sacrifice helped to create vaccines.
Dang - I hadn't heard about this. What a way to go. Mosquitoes are horrible. The first year I moved to the US I got bitten so much I was incredibly sick. Now they seem to have had their fill of English blood and leave me alone. Thought this was a cracking story - as always.
I did not know about Dr Lazear. Great piece, L.C.
So many scientists sacrificed their life and health for the discoveries that are a fact of life now. Great story, LC!
Whoaaa, I truly admire his dedication. He sacrificed his freaking life!
Well that was unexpectedly captivating!! Great work LC!!
Loved this! What a fantastic 'bite' of micro (lol). I once worked in a lab with a professor that used to tell us stories of his graduate school adventures in which he and his colleagues regularly did things in 'alternative' ways, ha!