7-13. HEALTH CARE
Crushing the vectors between our fingers, then putting them (fingers) in our
mouth can cause pathogenic organisms to be introduced into our system. Also, rubbing
our eyes or picking our nose can accomplish the same thing. Be careful when swatting
flies and mosquitoes.
7-14. VECTORS
When discussing arthropods as disease vectors, we are going to try to match the
vector (arthropod) with the disease. In looking at this, we can see the vectors, their
diseases, and what we can do to defend ourselves. Notice the immunizations available
along with the chemoprophylaxis. Environmental control measures available should be
noted and particular attention should be paid to the personal protective measures.
7-15. LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Everyone in the Army is familiar with the chain of command. In preventive
medicine, there are different levels of responsibilities for arthropod and rodent control.
7-16. INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
The first level and most important is the individual level or personal protective
measures. This is when the individual soldier, that is, private, sergeant, captain or
colonel, has to know how to protect himself from the arthropod threat. The individual
should wear the uniform properly ensuring a minimal amount of exposed skin, that is,
sleeves rolled down and all buttons buttoned. The use of repellents is very important.
This will stop biting insects because it tastes bad. Repellents should be placed on
exposed skin and any clothing that pulls tight to the skin. Bed nets should be used at
night to prevent insect bites during sleep. In conjunction with bednets, aerosol bombs
should be used. Aerosol should be sprayed seven second for each one thousand cubic
feet of air space. This works very well for small flying insects, that is., mosquitoes, flies,
and sand flies.
7-17. FIELD SANITATION TEAM
The field sanitation team (FST) helps company commanders maintain control of
arthropods. The FST's primary job is to advise the commander of potential health
problems. AR 40-5 requires each company-sized unit to have an FST. Two personnel
are assigned on orders to this team--one NCO and one junior enlisted. They will be
trained by preventive medicine personnel to recognize potential health problems and
the steps to reduce that problem. Arthropod control at the unit level would consist
primarily of preventive steps, that is, sanitation, screening, latrine closing, and education
of the troops. When necessary, some arthropod control measures are available, but
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