NAVCENT DISEASE SURVEILLANCE 26 SEP 90

File: 102496_sep96_decls1_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 3

Subject: NAVCENT  DISEASE SURVEILLANCE  26 SEP 90                        

Unit: COMNAVCENT  

Parent Organization: COMUSCINCCEN

Box ID: BX303804

Folder Title: DISEASE SURVEILLANCE FOR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD 2 - 22 SEP 1990  1 OF 2                        

Document Number:          4

Folder SEQ  #:          1




                                       UNCLASSIFIED


                                                               26 September 1990

                   From:   LCDR K. Hanson, MC USN (FS)
                           NAVCENT Preventive Medicine officer
                   To:     CAPT T.I. Cook, MC USN (FS)
                           NAVCENT Surgeon

                   Subj:   DISEASE SURVEILLANCE FOR OPERATION DESERT SHEILD
                           WEEK OF 16 TO 22 SEPTEMBER


                   1. The following disease patterns have been reported in the
                   surveillance system for the week of 16 to 22 September. At
                   present, there are over 16,000 persons being monitored at 23
                   Battalion Aid Stations. Efforts are being made to increase
                   the coverage of the surveillance system.


                   2. overall trend analysis:

                   a. Diarrhea has been a significant problem during the past
                   week for many units. The pattern of sudden simultaneous
                   outbreaks in large numbers of patients over a 3-4 day period
                   strongly suggests problems with the food system. There does
                   not appear to be a problem with potable water, either
                   bottled or manufactured.

                   b. Epidemiologic information from the surveillance system
                   indicates that units served by several different chow halls
                   have experienced increased diarrhea rates. The common link
                   Is locally procured foodstuffs from non-approved sources,
                   including lettuce and other uncooked vegetables. Much of
                   this produce is imported from areas which routinely use
                   "night soil" as fertilizer. Cultures of prepared salad
                   items after disinfection have shown fecal coliforms. Even
                   the most aggressive chow hall disinfection procedures cannot
      be expected to be 100% effective. Use of locally procured
                   fresh vegetables has been suspended.

                   c. Anecdotal information from many units not yet covered in
                   the surveillance system is also consistent. Some companies
                   have had a 30% attack rate.

                   d. Stool cultures from diarrhea patients have grown 5
                   Shigella isolates thus far (with many cultures pending). of
                   note is that all 5 are trimethaprim/sulfa resistant. More
                   information will be available shortly.

                   e. Surveillance information indicates minimal problems with
                   heat, respiratory, dermatologic and all other disease
                   categories.


                   3. specific Results



 DECLASSIFIED
ON: 23 SEP 96
 BY: DON GWDP IAW OPNAVINST 5513. SERIES
                                        UNCLASSIFIED

Document 3 f:/Week-37/BX303804/DISEASE SURVEILLANCE FOR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD 2 - 22 SEP 1990 1 OF 2/navcent disease surveillance 26 sep 90:1011961541152
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-37
Box ID = BX303804
Unit = COMNAVCENT
Parent Organization = COMUSCINCCEN
Folder Title = DISEASE SURVEILLANCE FOR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD 2 - 22 SEP 1990 1 OF 2
Folder Seq # = 1
Subject = NAVCENT DISEASE SURVEILLANCE 26 SEP 90
Document Seq # = 4
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 11-OCT-1996