On the outskirts of Havana, Reed had constructed two barracks-like buildings, which he dubbed Fomite House (fomite being a physical object that can carry and, when touched, transmit infection) and Mosquito House. Volunteers were offered money to sleep in one of the two buildings. Fomite House was truly disgusting, with dirty bed linens contaminated with the vomit, urine, and feces of previous yellow fever sufferers. Accounts recall visitors puking just upon entering the fetid atmosphere. But Reed made sure no mosquitoes got in.
