Preventive medicine team keeps watch for small foes, big trouble for Soldier health

Photo By Sgt. Jared Sollars | Spc. Dustin Erlanson from the 180th Medical Detachment Preventive Medicine Support Team displays a live Androctonus Crassicauda, or yellow fat-tailed scorpion, the unit has been studying. Its venom has killed 50 percent of lab mice that have been injected with its venom. These scorpions commonly have been found on Contingency Operating Base Speicher.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

08.30.2009

Story by Pfc. Jared Sollars 

145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — Members of the 180th Medical Detachment Preventive Medicine Support Team may be some of the most unsung heroes on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. This team's mission is to assess the environment's ecological hazards and educate Soldiers on preventive medicine.

The Soldiers of the 180th PMST have posted information around the COB regarding topics ranging from dangerous wildlife such as scorpions and snakes to information about personal hygiene.

"The main area of our mission is risk management and assessment services," said 180th PMST commander Maj. Douglas Voegeli, Madison, Wis.

The unit takes samples of water, soil and air to evaluate and assess the environment in high-traffic areas where Soldiers are living and working. These evaluations will help determine if anything in the environment could have an adverse affect on COB Speicher residents. Studies of the samples also help determine to what individuals may have been exposed.

"Our goal is to stop the spread of disease," said 180th executive officer Capt. Mike Bay, of Lawton, Okla. "Healthy troops are better fighting troops."

In wartime scenarios throughout history, disease has been one of the biggest adversaries any military has had to face, said Bay, who is a zoology professor at East Central University, Ada, Okla.

Insects that spread disease such as mosquitoes and sandflies can also be a show stopper. Iraq is also home to a variety of dangerous and venomous creatures, including 23 species of scorpions. Two highly venomous scorpions that can be found in areas around COB Speicher are the Arabian fat tailed and the deathstalker scorpions. Both of these species have very toxic venoms which rate them near the top of the list among venomous animals.

"I wouldn't suggest walking around bare-foot on post," said Bay. The effects of a bite or sting from one of these scorpions have several variables to take into consideration. The amount of venom injected and where in the victim's body it was injected as well as the weight of the victim are all things that come into play when dealing with venomous animals. Since their arrival in July, the 180th PMST has dealt with infestations both on and off post.

Numerous times desert foxes and jackals have also been seen on the post. Soldiers are discouraged from feeding or trying to befriend any kind of local wildlife, as the animals sometimes carrying diseases, such as rabies or parasites.

"Most people don't have any clue what military personnel could come in contact with out in the field," said Bay.

There are a variety of things to take into consideration if you want to keep scorpions out of an area. If a building has a lot of cracks and crevices, those will be areas where scorpions will take cover from the sun during the daytime. Sealing such cracks from the outside will keep them from entering. Also keeping debris away from buildings will eliminate another possible haven for scorpions.

"Soldiers need to be aware of their preventative medicine and how to properly manage health risks," said Voegeli, "Taking little steps like keeping your area clean and washing your hands goes a long way for your health."

• Date Taken: 08.30.2009
• Date Posted: 09.08.2009 12:55
• Story ID: 38473
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ