Alexander John Haddow facts for kids

Alexander John Haddow (born December 27, 1912 – died December 26, 1978) was a Scottish scientist. He was an entomologist, which means he studied insects. He is famous for his work at the Uganda Virus Research Institute.

Haddow helped discover the Zika virus. He also did important research on mosquitoes that carry the yellow fever virus. He found out how Burkitt's lymphoma might be linked to weather conditions. He also discovered many new viruses in East Africa.

Most of Haddow's research career was spent in Uganda. There, he created a special way to study biting insects, especially mosquitoes. This method was called the "24-hour catch."

In 1953, Haddow became the Director of the Institute. He stayed in this role until 1965. After that, he returned to the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Early Life and Education

Alexander John Haddow was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1912. His parents were Alexander and Margaret Haddow. He had a younger sister named Marion.

From a young age, Haddow was very interested in insects. He went to Hillhead High School in Glasgow. Later, he studied at the University of Glasgow. In 1934, he earned a top degree in Zoology. He then got his medical degree in 1938. He continued his studies, earning more degrees in 1957 and 1961.

Studying Tropical Diseases

Haddow began his research on tropical diseases in 1941. He started in Kisumu, Kenya. There, he studied different types of mosquitoes found in local huts. He was the first researcher to build special experimental huts for this study.

In 1942, Haddow joined the Virus Research Institute in Entebbe, Uganda. This place is now called the Uganda Virus Research Institute. He worked there as a medical entomologist. The main goal of the Institute was to study yellow fever. They also looked for new diseases, especially those caused by arboviruses.

Haddow's work involved catching and recording biting insects. He would do this for full 24-hour periods near the jungle. To study mosquitoes at different heights in the trees, platforms were built. These platforms were in the forest canopy and lower parts of the forest.

Mosquitoes were sorted every hour. This helped Haddow understand when different species bit. It also showed where they lived in the trees.

Discovery of Zika Virus

In 1948, the Zika virus was first found. It was isolated from mosquitoes that Haddow had caught. These mosquitoes were a type called Aedes africanus. They were found in the Zika forest in Uganda.

Leading the Institute

In 1953, Haddow became the Director of the Institute. Under his leadership, the Institute kept studying yellow fever. They also worked to find and record new viruses affecting local people.

During this time, other important viruses were first found by Institute researchers. These included O'nyong'nyong, Chikungunya, Semliki Forest, Bunyamwera, and West Nile.

In 1961, a tall steel tower was built in the Zika forest. This tower allowed scientists to catch mosquitoes at six different levels. They could catch them both in and above the forest. This gave more detailed information about how mosquitoes move up and down. This tower is known as 'Haddow's Tower'. It is still used today for mosquito research in the Zika forest.

During his life, Haddow's most famous work was on yellow fever and Burkitt's lymphoma. The Zika virus became a very important human disease much later. Haddow received the Chalmers Medal for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 1953. He was also chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of London in 1972.

After leaving Uganda, he went back to Glasgow. He became a Professor at the University. Later, in 1970, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

Personal Life

Alexander Haddow married Margaret "Peggy" Orr in 1946. They got married in Mombasa, Kenya. They had two sons, David and Alastair.

Haddow loved traditional Scottish Bagpipe music. He was an important member of the Glasgow Piobaireachd Society. He even wrote a book about it called The History and Structure of Ceol Mor. This book was published after he passed away.

The University of Glasgow has a collection of Haddow's papers. These include his research notes from the Virus Research Institute. They also have records about his studies on Piobaireachd Music.

The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum has many items donated by Haddow. These show his wide range of interests. They include drawings of monkeys, animal heads, and items from Uganda. He also donated old archaeological finds from the Antonine Wall.

Alexander Haddow died on December 26, 1978. This was one day before his 66th birthday.