In which area did Walter Reed make a significant impact?

Walter Reed made a significant impact in the conquest of yellow fever, a deadly disease that posed a major threat to public health, particularly in tropical regions. Through meticulous research, Reed was able to establish that the disease was transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti. This groundbreaking finding led to critical public health measures designed to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of yellow fever.

Reed's work not only contributed to the understanding of the disease but also paved the way for effective prevention strategies, ultimately reducing outbreaks and fatalities. His contributions in this area were pivotal, ultimately influencing sanitation practices and public health policies in affected regions, including during the construction of the Panama Canal, where yellow fever had previously hindered progress.

In contrast, while vaccination development, antibiotic discovery, and nutrition research are all vital areas of public health, they do not specifically relate to Reed's significant contributions and research focus. Reed's legacy is firmly rooted in his work on yellow fever, which was revolutionary for understanding disease transmission and protection against vector-borne illnesses.