Disease Control in the Field

Objectives Address general information of diesease control Describe diseases of military importance in the field environment

General Disease control is important to assure the mission gets accomplished. Breaking one of the steps in the chain of infection is the best prevention. Resevoir  transmission  entry portal  Host

General Medical must ensure 100% deployability of personnel of the unit. Preventive medicine should review medical Intel for the area of operations prior to deployment and initiate any necessary programs or training.

Diseases of Military Importance Intestinal diseases: typhoid, paratyphoid fevers, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, leptospirosis, food infection, and food intoxication. Prevention: Proper handling, storage, inspection and preparation of food Adequate treatment of water (potable) supplies

Respiratory Diseases: Influenza, meningococcal meningitis, common colds, diphtheria, rubella, pneumonia, scarlet fever, strep throat, and tuberculosis. Prevention/Control: Isolate cases, use of masks, avoid overcrowding, proper ventilation, surveillance, training, and patient/contact interviews. Provide prophylaxis/immunizations Diseases of Military Importance

Cover Your Mouth!!

Vector Borne: Malaria, CCHF, yellow fever, sand fly fever, typhus, plague, dengue, and scabies. Prevention/Control: Surveillance, Chemical application to area (pesticide/insecticide), remove breeding sites/harborages, proper use of nets/screens, application of repellants Immunizations (i.e. JEV) and prophylaxis (i.e. Doxycycline) Good Hygiene and Sanitation Diseases of Military Importance

MMMM MALARIA!!

Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention: Good Sanitation, adequate clothing, and proper cooking of food. Discourage troops from going barefoot, swimming in and drinking from rivers and streams. Diseases of Military Importance

NOT GOOD!!

Zoonotic Diseases: Rabies Control/Prevention: Avoid wildlife and nesting or burrowing areas. Medical intelligence is essential for recognition. Diseases of Military Importance

Nice Doggy!

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Gonorrhea, NGU, Chancroid, syphilis, herpes, lymphogranuloma venereum, and venereal/ genital warts. Prevention/Control: Vigorous training must be conducted and abstinence or use of condoms enforced. Diseases of Military Importance

Wildlife Training and enforcement should be placed in advising troops to stay away from wildlife. Venomous animals: snakes, arachnids Prevention/Control: Surveillance and education are key for acquiring proper antivenin.

Stay Away!

Questions??

Review 1. What is the chain of infection? 1. What is the chain of infection? 2. What are some control measures for respiratory infection? 2. What are some control measures for respiratory infection? 3. What are some prevention measures for vector borne 3. What are some prevention measures for vector borne diseases? diseases? 4. Who should do Area of operation medical surveillance? 4. Who should do Area of operation medical surveillance? 5. How can you as preventive med help prevent intestinal 5. How can you as preventive med help prevent intestinal diseases? diseases?