Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: 092396_jun96_decls1_0021.txt
Subject: DAILY STAFF JOURNAL HHB 1 41 A LOC
Box ID: BX001431
Document Number: 10
Folder Title: DAILY STAFF JOURNALS - 24TH INF - JAN-FEB 91
Folder Seq #: 333
Unit: 24TH ID
Parent Organzation: XVIII CORPS
INFOrd4ATION'@;PAPER
SUBJECT: Anthrax
1. Purpose. To provide information on the medical aspects of
anthrax.
2. Facts.
a. Anthrax Is caused by a spore forming bacteria which normally
affects animals 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 lungs. 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 spores are very
persistent and can 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 riot 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
channels. The unit of issue Is 10 tablets per soldier (5 day
the threat level, each
soldier will be issued a blister pack of 10 tablets. The
antibiotic doxycyclirie (100 mg twice a day) is an alternative
in patients allergic to ciprofloxacin.
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 mist, 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. ciprofloxacin 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/Division Surgeon
9-7662-144
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
Document 21 f:/Week-22/BX001431/DAILY STAFF JOURNALS - 24TH INF - JAN-FEB 91/daily staff journal hhb 1 41 a loc:09069614062522
Control Fields 17
File Room = jun96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-22
Box ID = BX001431
Unit = 24TH ID
Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS
Folder Title = DAILY STAFF JOURNALS - 24TH INF - JAN-FEB 91
Folder Seq # = 333
Subject = DAILY STAFF JOURNAL HHB 1 41 A LOC
Document Seq # = 22
Document Date =
Scan Date = 11-JUN-1996
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 06-SEP-1996