Soldiers Should Protect Themselves Against Crawling, Flying Vermin

Photo By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin | Capt. Ruben Ortiz, an environmental science officer for Multi-National Division – Baghdad, warns Soldiers against the dangers of insect bites in theater.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.17.2007

Story by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin 

1st Cavalry Division

By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Creepy crawlers, pests, vermin, insects, bugs ... whatever they are called, most people would consider them annoying but rarely think of them as being dangerous.

But they can be.

Moving to a different part of the world means that there are different dangers within the bites and stings of the flying and crawling critters than in the United States.

"The biggest threats here are the mosquitoes and sand flies," said Capt. Ruben Ortiz, an environmental science officer for Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "The mosquitoes from the Anapheles species can carry malaria, and the sand flies can carry Leishmaniasis."

Malaria makes people ill with fevers and severe chills that could result in death, if not treated. Leishmaniasis affects the health of the skin, creating large open sores.

"When the infected sand fly bites, the parasite gets under the skin cells creating slow healing wounds that are much like ulcers," said Maj. Chris Medellin, a preventive medicine officer with MND-B.

The San Antonio native stressed the importance of getting medical attention as soon as possible, noting that Leishmaniasis will leave large scars.

"As soon as you notice a fever with chills or an infected sore, it is time to come in," Medellin said.

As the warmer months are swiftly approaching, bugs are out and active and the Soldiers living without common amenities are more vulnerable.

"Due to the surge, we have more Soldiers living in tents or in (joint security stations) instead of trailers," Medellin said. "The threat is higher in those living conditions."

"Many of the JSSs use (barriers made from loose sand and rocks) and sandbags. These are great habitats for sand flies," Ortiz said. "The standing water is an issue, too. That is a breeding ground for mosquitoes."

Ortiz, from San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, said that it is essential for commanders to adopt and enforce the Department of Defense Insect Repellent System.

This system starts with ensuring that Soldiers treat their uniforms with Permethrin, which is the standard military insect repellant that can last for approximately 50 uniform washes, said Ortiz. The uniform itself is a barrier against insects, too.

Next, they should apply the insect repellant DEET to all exposed skin. One application can last up to 12 hours, he said.

"The Soldiers (on the ground) need to remember that when they take off that uniform, the skin underneath is no longer protected. Applying additional DEET before going to bed can help," said Ortiz. He also added that using bed nets or mosquito netting also deters bugs, but sand flies can still get through if the nets are not treated with an insecticide.

Other tips, he added, were trying to avoid standing water and conducting good hygiene practices including washing uniforms frequently.

For those who are lucky enough to live in trailers, he said to limit the amount of food consumed inside, clean up crumbs and try to block areas of entry.

The staff will also do their part.

"We have traps all over, and when we reach a certain threshold of bugs per trap the contractors will spray the base," Ortiz said. On the smaller combat outposts and the joint security stations, the company field sanitation teams can spray.

The traps not only allow them to track the density of the bugs, but the collections get shipped to Europe to be tested for diseases. So, they know what the troops are facing.

Medellin, also, warned against other critters, such as snakes and scorpions.

"If you get stung, don't try to catch it or suck the venom out," he said. "You are just wasting valuable time. Get to the nearest medical facility."

Avoidance and the use of insect repellent, Medellin stressed, is key to preventing vermin-related illnesses and injuries.

• Date Taken: 04.17.2007
• Date Posted: 04.17.2007 07:28
• Story ID: 9958
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ