01 September 2004: No 67/04

PREVENTION OF SOME INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE DOD

 Military personnel could reduce their risk of acquiring infectious diseases by taking basic precautions and by applying personal protective measures.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: During deployments members are at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. Casual sexual contact should be avoided and safe sex practices should be implemented. Saving lives is as easy as ABC: Abstinence, Be Faithful and Condomise.

Tuberculosis: We live in a country with a high incidence of Tuberculosis and anyone is at risk of contracting this disease. Individuals who develop a chronic cough, experience night sweats or complain of weight loss should seek medical attention to exclude Tuberculosis (TB). Effective treatment is available.

Yellow Fever: It is found in certain African and South American countries. The disease could be prevented by vaccination, which must be given 10 days prior to entering an area of risk.

Malaria: The anopheles mosquito transmits malaria and usually strikes between dusk and dawn.  This serious disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites (even during daytime), and by the daily utilisation of prescribed prophylactic medication.  Early identification and treatment of those who become ill, is imperative. 

NOTE:  Members who have had their spleen removed (splenectomy) may not visit or be deployed in malaria areas due to their high risk of mortality when contracting malaria.  Special care should also be taken during pregnancy.

Safe water and food: Many bacterial, viral and parasitic illnesses are transmitted through food and water.  Cooked food and purified water will reduce the potential of acquiring these illnesses.  Only bottled water or purified water should be drunk and only food prepared by reputable sources should be eaten.  Always remember to wash hands before every meal and after using the toilet or urinal.

Rabies: Rabies is transmitted by animal bites.  Any animal showing behaviour not normally displayed, such as wild animals suddenly becoming tame, should be avoided and veterinary expertise sought.  As the normal behaviour of stray animals is not known, they should be avoided.  Prophylactic vaccination is advised for those members deployed in endemic rural areas for prolonged periods of time, or members in certain high-risk occupations, such as dog handlers and animal health practitioners.

Bilharzia: is found in rivers, pools and streams in many African countries where the rivers flow to the east.  Therefore, swimming in these waters should be restricted to operational tasks only.

Prevention is better than cure. Take responsibility for your own health!