Cuba remembers the discoverer of the yellow fever transmitting agent

Havana, Aug 19 (RHC) Cuba today recalls the death of the eminent epidemiologist Carlos Juan Finlay de Barres, whose main contribution to world science was his explanation of the mode of transmission of yellow fever.

Born in the territory of the current province of Camagüey, Finlay (1833-1915) discovered the transmitting agent of yellow fever, which made it possible to clean up the areas invaded by this infectious insect throughout the world.

On the Caribbean island, the Carlos J. Finlay Order of Merit was created in his honor and awarded to those who render relevant services to science. Also on December 3, in commemoration of his birth, Latin American Medicine Day is celebrated.

The Cuban epidemiologist was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine, in response to his scientific work, considered one of the most important in the field of tropical diseases.

The merits of this scientist from the Antillean island allowed him to integrate the Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana. He was appointed Head of the Superior Board of Health in 1902, and received numerous awards, including the Order of the Legion of Honor of France. (Source: PL)