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 4th's 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 rates
      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 trooos we~e 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