US Army Negligence: 38 Rangers from Afghanistan Have Malaria!

[leftchick]

This is so disturbing!


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/01/050111164608.htm


~snip~

War and conflict have had a long historical partnership with malarial outbreaks, according to background information in the article. Disruptions in health care infrastructure, maneuvering of numerous military personnel, and exposure of individuals with nominal or no immunity all bring about an increased risk for the disease. Throughout history, disease and nonbattle injuries have caused more casualties than combat action among military personnel, with malaria having a significant impact on many military operations.

U.S. Army soldiers operating in endemic regions are directed to consume antimalaria chemoprophylaxis and use personal protective measures, including minimizing exposed skin through proper wear of the uniform and use of bed nets, impregnating uniforms and bed nets with permethrin, and frequently applying topical insect repellent (33 percent diethyltoluamide ) to exposed skin.

Russ S. Kotwal, M.D., M.P.H., of the Naval Operational Medicine Institute, Pensacola, Fla., and colleagues conducted a study to determine the extent of malaria in U.S. Army personnel deployed to a combat zone. The unit studied was the 725-man Ranger Task Force that deployed to eastern Afghanistan between June and September 2002.

The researchers found that a total of 38 patients were infected with malaria, yielding an attack rate of 52.4 cases per 1,000 soldiers. Diagnosis was confirmed a median of 233 days (range, 1-339 days) after return from the malaria endemic region, with additional laboratory findings noting anemia and thrombocytopenia (a blood disease).

[edward3]

1. Since DDT was banned, Malaria is making a comeback all over the world

I don't know which is worse: banning a substance that saves millions of lives a year, or using the substance to save those lives.

But I do know that Malaria was almost wiped out with the use of DDT, and now is making a comeback all over.

[spotbird]

4. There are no free lunches.

The extinction of species could have a ripple effect that would kill millions also. The life cycle provides protective balance, disruption causes peril to humans.

[leftchick]

7. There are many other insecticides that are being used....

in place of DDT and they are working quite well. I just saw some being used to prevent a Malaria outbreak after the Tsunami.

The point of this article is the Negligence of The US army in PREVENTING an outbreak of the disease in the soldiers. That does not mean spraying DDT around, read the article.

DDT on the other hand has almost wiped out many species including the American Bald Eagle. Not very patriotic of you. :eyes:

[newyawker99]

8. Hi edward3!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[porkrind]

2. Sad.

The human cost of these senseless wars is shameful.

[DistantWind88]

3. Who is negligent?

The individual solider? Or their commanders for not making sure they take all necessary precautions?

[spotbird]

5. Both as I read the article. nt

[DistantWind88]

6. Seems to me this is

more of the soldier's responsibility: "do this, or you will get Malaria." If they have all the stuff they are supposed to have, and the article doesn't say they don't, it's up to them to take preventative measures. I sure as hell couldn't watch my airmen 24 hours a day.