EXPLANATION OF BLOOD DONATION RESTRICTION FOR SWA VETERANS

File: 970815_sep96_decls42_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 8

Subject = EXPLANATION OF BLOOD DONATION RESTRICTION FOR SWA VETERANS

Parent Organization = MISC

Unit = MISC

Folder Title = 123D US ARMY RESERVE COMMAND-SWA VETERANS BLOOD DONATION RESTRICTIONS EXPLANATION

Document Number = 1

Box ID = BX005619

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 123D UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE COMMAND
BUILDING 126
FORT EENJAMtNttARRtSON. INDIANA &GZt6-6400

IN REPLY
REFER TO
AFRC-Al'i-MED (40-2b) 27 November 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL 123D ARCOM MAJOR SUBORDINATE COVAVMS AND DIRECT REPORTING
UNITS

SUBJECT: Explanation of Blood Donation Restrictions for Southwest Asia (SWA)
Veterans

1. The enclosed information will provide an explanation for the Secretary of
Defense (Health Affairs) restriction on SWA veterans donating blood or blood
products.

2. According to MSG NBR-0814-02F4CB, page 5, para 11, received 17 November
1991, "until further notice all personnel from Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab
Emirates, Oman and Yeman from I Aug 1990" are asked to deter blood donations
until further -iotice.

3. The reason for this restriction is potential exposure of deployed service
members to the disease VISCEROTROPIC LEISMWIASIS. Seven cases have been
diagnosed to date at Walter Reed Medical Center. All were free of skin'
lesions (normal symptom), but had parasites recovered from their bone marrow.

4. Leishmaniasis is one of a number of infectious diseases transmitted via
sand fly bites. Several ARCOM soldiers returned from SWA with possible skin
lesions related to sand fly bites.

5. Please ensure all soldiers are informed of this information.

FOR THE COMMMER:

Encl
1 Officer