Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

                      COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT

    TOPIC:   DiarrWeal disease.

    OBSERVATION:   A battalion was declared "Combat Ineffective"
after 5~% of its personnel (3~% requiring medical assistance)
contracted dysentery from "veterinary service approved1, salad.
Diarrheal disease, after heat-related injuries, are the
greatest medical threat to soldiers deployed on Operation
Desert Shield.   Listed below are several recommended measures
that personnel can take to prevent an epidemic of diarrhea:

    a.   Assume all water sources are considered non-potable,
and all ice, meats,  fruits, vegetables, and other locally
purchased food items are considered contaminated, unless
obtained with ~pproval of a medical officer.

    b.   Consume only the food items listed below that have been
approved:

         (1)  Standard Army field rations (MRE, T and B rations)
issued in Army Mess Halls.

         (2)  Peelable fruits, i.e., oranges and bananas,
apples, and pears after being peeled and washed.

         (3)  Sealed UHT milk, butter and juice cartons, and
canned carbonated beverages.

         (4)  Saudi water department approved sterilized bottled
water for consumption and brushing teeth, and chlorinated (with
residual above 2.Sppm) bulk water for showering and washing
clothes.

    c.   Keep all food covered and protected from flies during
storage and serving.

    d.   Serve hot meals at serving terriperature and store food
items at temperature of 45 degrees or less.

    e.   Personal hygiene measures such as hand washing, correct
waste disposal, proper care of latrine areas, and good vector
control is imperative.

    f.   Unit personnel venturing to otber units should consume
only those approved food items listed above.

    VIEWER NOTES:


                                14

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search