ANTHRAX

File: 011696_118_9_001.txt
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                Purpose. Tc) provide Information on the medical aspects of
             itnthrax.

            2. Facts.

                a.   Anthrax is caused by a spore forming bacteria which normally
                     affects @als primarily cattle. Under natural conditions.
                     man becomes Infected by contact with Infected animals.
                     Potential sites of disease occur In the skin, gastrointestinal
                     system and the has. The skin and Intestinal forms are more
                     common and easily treated.

                b.   Used as a biological weapon. anthrax results In pulmonary
                     disease, a rare form which is transmitted via Inhalation of
                     the spores. The means of delivery is aerosolization via
                     spraying or munition. once inhaled the onset of symptoms
                     varies from I - 5 days and Includes fever, weakness and a non-
                     productive cough. This Is followed by a recovery phase of 2 -
                     4 days. Subsequently, severe respiratory problems develop
                     leading to death In most cases. The shires are very
                     persistent and @ remain In the soil indefinitely despite
                     high temperatures.

                c.   The protective mask provides complete protection against the.-
                     inhalation of anthrax spores. A vaccine is available in
                     limited quantities but Is not currently scheduled for
                     administration to 24th ID (M) soldiers. Prophylaxis
                     (pre-treatment) with antibiotic ciprofloxacin is effective and
                     thus It will be Issued to all 24th ID soldiers through medical
                     cbanhels. The unit of issue is 10 tablets per soldier (5 day
                     supply, 2 tablets per day). Based upon the threat level, each
e
                     antibiotic doxycycline (100 mg twice a day) is an alternative
                     In patients allergic to ciprafloxacin.

                d.   Recognition of the employment of biological weapons Is
                     difficult. Currently, there are no mechanical rapid detection
                     systems. The use of biological weapons should be suspected
                     when any of the following are observed: munition producing
                     cloud or mlst, large numbers of deceased livestock, and an
                     unusual Incidence of flu - like symptoms or pneumonia In
                     personnel.

                e.   Upon high probability or confirmation of exposure to a
                     biological weapon agent Initiation of use of ciprofloxacin
                     will be determined by command. The dosing schedule will be I
                     tablet twice a day. Furthermore, if anthrax exposure Is
                     confirmed, clprofloxacin will be continued for 30 days as I
                     tablet twice a day. In addition, exposed unvaccinated
                     personnel will begin and complete the 2 shot anthrax vaccine
                     series during the 30 day course of antibiotics. Sufficient
                     quantities of ciprofloxacin for prophylaxis are available In
                     the Division. Quantities of vaccine and ciprofloxacin for
                     post - exposure treatment are being stockpiled In theater.


                                                  J. BenJamin HALL/Divislon Surgeon
                                                  9-7662-144
Box ID = BX000000
Unit = 101ID           
Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS     
Folder Title = ANTHRAX                                                                                         
Subject = ANTHRAX
Document Number =        118
Image file name = 00000298.tif