Photo By Maj. Anna Friederich | FOB KALSU, Iraq - Pfc. Edgar Reyes and Cpl. Michael Molinaro, Headquarters and...... read more read more
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By Cpl. Michael Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
FOB KALSU, Iraq - Soldiers spend every day training and conducting combat operations to prevent terrorists from harming innocent Iraqis.
The last things on most Soldiers" minds are microscopic critters that can be just as annoying as a terrorist who can't be found during a raid.
The critters can inject Soldiers with diseases, thus depleting the division's manpower. However, remedies are readily available for Soldiers to counter the flies and insects prevalent in Iraq.
Treating uniforms with the insect repellant Permethrin is advised for Soldiers deployed to Iraq. Permethrin basically disguises a Soldiers body signature from insects.
"It makes you not taste so good," said Dr. (Maj.) Steven Bauer, brigade surgeon, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Sand flies and other critters in Iraq carry many diseases, among them leishmaniasis. There are two forms of leishmaniasis: cutaneous and visceral. Cutaneous leishmaniasis produces lesions and ulcers on the skin that become extremely annoying. This is the most common type found on humans. Visceral leishmaniasis can affect the internal organs and become fatal.
Soldiers are instructed to treat their uniforms due to the diseases carried by sand flies.
Although most of the diseases encountered are not life threatening, using the treatment is a force multiplier, said Bauer. Soldiers developing lesions on the face have to get evacuated for treatment. During the brigade's last deployment to Iraq, one battalion had fifty percent of its Soldiers infected with leishmaniasis.
Unit supply sergeants carry Permethrin treatment kits for the Army/desert combat uniforms. The kits consist of two zip-lock bags, string, plastic gloves and two bottles of liquid Permethrin. Each kit treats one set of ACU/DCUs.
Soldiers fill one of the bags with water, using three-fourths of a canteen, and one bottle of Permethrin. Either the trouser or jacket is rolled up and tied, inserted into the bag and zip-locked shut for up to three hours. Afterwards, the garment is hung and fit to wear once it dries.
The treatment will last the lifetime of the uniform unless it is dry-cleaned, Bauer remarked. Uniforms doused with the spray version are good for six to eight wash cycles before needing another spray.
Flies carry diseases that contaminate skin, food and other items Soldiers touch daily. Bauer said it is a good idea to spray down a bed net, which will distract flies while they are sleeping. Soldiers should also keep a bottle of deet lotion with them. These items can also be found at the unit's supply section.
Sand flies like to hang around standing water and garbage. They are very small, to the point where Soldiers barely know they are around until they feel them gnawing on their skin. Soldiers from the brigade's first deployment to Iraq attest that the flies here aren't anything like in the U.S.
"The flies here are nasty," said Sgt. 1st Class Alfredo Martiz, brigade medical intelligence noncommissioned officer, 2nd BCT. "This is a good treatment, and everyone should definitely use it."
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2006 11:12 |
| Story ID: | 5934 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 62 |
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