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File: 120596_aacza_05.txtards there too. By far, the best feeding facilities we evaluated were those of contractors supplying meals for international airline flights. These facilities should be given priority when searching for sources of contract meals.- (5) Insects and Animals: There was no significant health threat from insect vectored diseases. The host nation clinic also reported no problems in the area. Host nation preventive medicine personnel provided intermittent insect spraying on base. Several stray cats and stray dogs were observed on base. Elimination of these proved difficult. There is no known risk of rabies in the country. (6) Poisonous Fish and Animals: Although reported as a potential threat in the region, poisonous snakes were not encountered. Polyvalent antivenom for snakes in the region was obtained through host nation military sources, but not used. Several scorpions were captured, but no stings were reported. . (7) Food and Dairy Products: Almost all food was imported into the country from other countries. Dairy products were processed according to European specifications. These plants, for the most part, did not meet Ameri- can specifications. A UHT milk plant was approved in country, but there were no approved sources for fresh milk. (8) Veterinary Service Impact Statement: Army veterinarians fre- quently visited to inspect food sources and to develop a list of approved sources. All our dealings with them were very professional and cordial. Animal care was not required as we had no military working dogs on base. (9) Preventive Medicine Input: A food and food facility inspection program was operated by both the civilian government and the military medical service. After evaluating food facilities which had been passed and accompa- nying a military health inspector on sanitation evaluations, we doubt the effectiveness of these programs. b. Prevalent Diseases: One outbreak of diarrhea was encountered. Approximately 1000 personnel were affected with about 300 seeking medical care. Symptoms were self-limiting in most cases. Laboratory diagnosis was limited, but we suspected the etiology to be traveler's diarrhea. The source was suspected to be contaminated ice. No other unusual disease outbreaks were noted. c. Preventive Medicine Measures: Normal precautions against heat-related disease such as work/rest cycles, adequate water intake, sunscreen, etc, were necessary in the hot summer months. Sand goggles were necessary in the months of Jan-Mar as high winds blew loose sand. Other precautions against foodborne illness such as adequate handwashing, avoiding street vendors, chlorine soaks for fresh produce, fly control, etc, were important to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use of bottled drinking water prevented waterborne disease out- breaks. d. Specific "Do's and Don'ts": N/A. e. Medical Facilities: Host nation medical facilities were placed at our disposal. (1) The base had an outpatient clinic with lab, x-ray, dental, and pharmacy capability staffed by 7 physicians and 16 technicians.
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