ANTHRAX 17 JAN 91

File: 970725_sep96_decls18_0001.txt
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Total Pages: 4
Subject = ANTHRAX  17 JAN 91                                              

Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS 

Unit = 24TH ID     

Folder Title = MEMOS AN MEDICAL SPT                                                                            

Document Number =          6

Box ID = BX001447





                                                               APZO-MD
                                                               17 January 1991


                                    INFORMATION PAPER


        SUBJECT: Anthrax

        1. Purpose. To provide information on the medical aspects of
        anthrax.


        2. Facts.

             a.   Anthrax is caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis, a
                  spore forming bacteria which normally affects animals'.
                  primarily cattle. Under natural conditions, man becomes
                  infected by contact with infected animals. Potential sites
                  of disease occur in the skin, gastrointestinal system and
                  the lungs.

             b.   Skin infection is transmitted via contact with infected
                  animal hides. it is a mild disease causing smal'i sores,
                  which are easily treated. Infection of the gastrointestinal
                  tract occurs after ingestion of infected meat and results in
                  abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The mortality rate
                  is low with treatment. Pulmonary anthrax is transmitted
                                                                  d hair and is
                  via inhalation of spores from infected hides an
                  the primary form of the biological weapon.
             c.   As a weapon, the means of delivery is aerosolization via
                  spraying or munition. once inhaled,the onset of symptoms
                  varies from I - 5 days and includes fever, weakness and a
                  non-productive cough. This is followed by a recovery phase
                  of 2 - 4 days. Subsequently, severe respiratory problems
                  develop leading to death in most cases.
             d.   The protective mask provides complete protection against
                  the inhalation of anthrax spores. A vaccine is available in
                  small quantites but is not currently scheduled for
                  administration to 24th ID (M) soldiers. Prophylaxis
                  (pre-treatment) with antibotics is effective. The antibotic
                  cipro,'.@loxacin is effective and will be issued to all.24th ID
                  soldiers through medical channels. The unit of issue is 10
                  tablets per soldier (5 day supply, 2 tablets per day). Each
                  soldier will be issued a blister pack of 10 tablets. The
                  Division currently has 18,840 blister packs which will be
                  distributed through medical channels. Shortages can be
                  assembled from on hand supplies of ciprofloxacin and
                  packaged in standard medication envelopes. The dosing
                  schedule should be I tablet with the first and second PB
                  tablets each day. Initiation will be determined by command.
         3. POC is CPT Long, Division Surgeon's Office, 9-7663-144.


                                             J. BENJAMIN HALL/Division Surgeon