Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

    2. Although some members of all U.S. Armed Services were
    treated in USAF MTFs, the data in these charts represents only
    USAF cases and compares those with the USAF population
    supported.
    
    3. Some MTFs redeployed and were replaced at their original
    beddown location. Other MTFs changed their unit designation
    during the deployment. In every case,  the data reported from a
    given beddown is shown on the charts as having been reported by
    the last MTF to occupy the beddown. For example,  the 4th ATH
    reported data from its beddown from September through December,
    then redeployed. It was replaced by the 1660th ATH in December,
    which continued to report through March 1991. In this case all
    of the data for that location is credited to the 1660th ATH. The
    4th ATH is shown as having begun reporting in December 1990.
    This is data from the other new beddown location (which had not
    been previously occupied by any other MTF). In short, the data
    is a reflection of disease incidence by location. It is not, in
    every case, an accurate statement of the disease gates
    experienced by the listed MTF.
    
    4. The report format required MTFs to include their base
    population which was classified information. To ease the
    handling of these reports, a report code was employed whereby the
    data was reported against line numbers. The meaning of the data
    was not in the report. Using this code, MTFs could transmit case
    data in an unclassified format by message or by telephone.

    5. To date, two active duty USAF members have been diagnosed
    with cutaneous leishmanisis after returning from Saudi Arabia.
    This is not reflected in the attached charts because the data
    includes only those conditions diagnosed by deployed MTFs,
    
    VI. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:
    
    1. Because no reporting system was in place until 10 -
    September 1990, data for the first month of Operation DESERT
    SHIELD was lost. If available this data may have revealed
    significantly high heat stress and gastroenteritis rates which
    are not brought out in the current data. For example, August,
    the hottest month of the year,  was when the greatest amount of
    outdoor physical activity took place. Base camps were being
    constructed and air conditioned tents were not immediately
    available. Regarding gastroenteritis; many troops were initially
    billeted and fed in local hotels and restaurants during this
    important first month in the theater. Significant diarrhea
    outbreaks were reported by SMEs but firm data on these cases is
    not available.
    
     2. The creation of a reporting system during deployed
    operations, though admirable and well conceived, left no
    opportunity for testing or a trial of the system. Hence, some

					4
    

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search