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File: 970107_sep96_decls3_0002.txt
Subject: SAUDI PM UPDATE FROM 7TH MEDCOM 15 OCT 90
Unit: OTSG
Parent Organization: HSC
Box ID: BX003205
Folder Title: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE UPDATE
Document Number: 2
Folder Seq #: 35
the tap or non-US approved water wag not potable. une unit
reported being issued bags of water by the Saudi Arabian
government and that they got sick. The same person reported that
one of their siteg was located at a well and they were using 3
iodine tables per canteen without people becoming ill. A
logistical problem wag reported when units moved from one site to
another; water was not immediately available and some personnel
reported water rationing. A shortage of water for essential
personnel hygiene (handwashing, etc.) was also a problem in some
areas. In areas other than the rear, field showers were
available only every 9-10 days with approximately one shower head
per 500 personnel. Some units which had their own field showers
reported problems with the drainage.
Problems still exist with field waste disposal and the associated
flies. Some units have soldiers dig catholes whenever the need
arises. Other units are digging latrines but not closing them
out properly (no insecticide, no markings, etc.) It appears that
there is a basic lack of knowledge on proper field waste
handling. One person reported that their unit appointed a person
each day to do nothing but burn the wastes in order to cut down
on flies. Some personnel reported utilizing pail and burn out
latrines. It wag reported that the Saudi Arabian government is
beginning to remove the carrion from the unit areas. Some
personnel reported that their units get up their field site over
old landfills or moved carrion to one location and set up their
tents over where the carrion had been.
Food procured on the local economy from approved sources 19 a
is ensuring that the source is
actually approved and what foods are.approved from the Particular
source. Also it was reported that fruits and fresh vegetables
were not disinfected prior to being offered for service in some
locations. These personnel also reported (unconfirmed) large
numbers of personnel with symptoms of food or water borne
illness.
There are increasing report of snakes being in and around the
unit areas. Personnel were aware of what precautions to take In
order to prevent being bitten.
It wag also reported that the insect repellant cream was causing
burning and rashes upon application. The personnel who relayed
this information also reported that their unit had quit using the
cream and that they knew of other units which had the game
problem. One person reported that their new Deet leaked in
their butt pack and ate through plastic bags.
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Document 2 f:/Week-36/BX003205/PREVENTIVE MEDICINE UPDATE/saudi pm update from 7th medcom 15 oct 90:0102971547024
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003205
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = PREVENTIVE MEDICINE UPDATE
Folder Seq # = 35
Subject = SAUDI PM UPDATE FROM 7TH MEDCOM 15 OCT 90
Document Seq # = 2
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 = 02-JAN-1997