Final answer:
Dr. Carlos Finlay's mosquito theory describes the transmission of yellow fever by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites an infected person, incubates the virus, and then transmits it to a healthy person.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Carlos Finlay's mosquito theory outlines the transmission cycle of yellow fever through mosquito vectors. Here's a list representing each stage of his theory:
- The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected individual, ingesting the yellow fever virus with the blood meal.
- The virus incubates within the mosquito for a period before it becomes capable of transmitting the virus.
- The now infectious mosquito bites a healthy individual, transferring the virus through its saliva.
- The virus then enters the bloodstream of the healthy individual, beginning a new cycle of infection.
This theory was instrumental in understanding the spread of yellow fever and in developing effective vector control measures, such as the use of mosquito netting, window screens, repellents, insecticides, and the yellow fever vaccine.