Photo By Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh | Tech. Sgt. Jessica Roofe, 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of...... read more read more
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“Epidemiology is the study of health-related conditions and incidents that occur in a specific population,” said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Roofe, 86th AMDS NCO in charge of epidemiology. “We use this data to determine if there are any spikes in the community related to any food borne illness, increases in flu-like symptoms or other disease outbreaks. For example, we can identify a food borne outbreak is occurring if a large group of people from the same squadron come in sick with the same symptoms after eating at a potluck.”
Once an outbreak has been identified, the Epidemiology office reaches out to the squadron or individuals to inform them of procedures for preventing further spread of the illness.
“If people are sick they cannot do their job,” said Airman 1st Class Brian Voelker, 86th AMDS public health technician. “If they cannot do their job, planes might not go up, which affects the mission.”
In an effort to prevent spikes in illnesses from occurring, the epidemiology team conducts educational outreach. This includes education on influenza at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center during the flu season, handwashing techniques, briefings at commander’s calls and more.
The office also tracks the spread of sexually transmitted infections. They provide briefings at the First Term Airman Center and local high schools to provide information to Airmen and students on safe practices. The office also encourages members to receive screenings.
“In regards to STI screening, it is 100 percent confidential,” said Roofe. “Some patients may not feel comfortable coming to us regarding certain situations. They think everything discussed will end up in their record, and it doesn’t.”
The epidemiology team also deals with animal bites, Lyme disease surveillance and Zika outbreaks. Germany is currently considered rabies free except for wild bats, said Roofe.
KMC members can bring ticks found on themselves to the office, and the insect will be sent for testing. The office also discusses the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease with the individual.
Other programs provided are for latent tuberculosis infection, medical employee health and blood borne pathogen. These include testing and education within the respective program.
The 86th AMDS epidemiology office can be reached at DSN 479-2086 or commercial 06371-46-2086. Their office has walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“We have the best job in the Air Force because we have the opportunity to help others and educate the population,” said Roofe. “We are here to help prevent the spread of disease and to ensure the Ramstein mission continues day in and day out.”
With knowledge and expertise ranging from Lyme disease to tuberculosis, the 86th AMDS Epidemiology office keeps a watch over Ramstein so its members can remain healthy and fit to fight.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2016 05:33 |
| Story ID: | 209143 |
| Location: | RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, DE |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 86th AMDS keeps track of Ramstein’s health, by SSgt Tryphena Mayhugh, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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