domestic animals may sometimes be required to help prevent the spread of other
diseases, such as rabies and tuberculosis. Household pets, especially dogs, may be
sources of disease.
1-20. CONTROL OF VEHICLE OR TRANSMITTING AGENT
To prevent the transmission of disease organisms, the following measures of
environmental sanitation should be practiced as rigidly as possible:
a. Avoidance of overcrowding and close physical contact.
b. Proper ventilation of living quarters.
c. Water purification.
d. Careful selection and preparation of food.
e. Maintenance of food service sanitation.
f. Sanitary waste disposal.
g. Proper control of disease-bearing arthropods and animals.
h. Encouragement of the individual practice of personal hygiene.
1-21. PROTECTION OF THE SUSCEPTIBLE PERSON
In general, susceptibles should be protected by all measures which improve
general health. It is a well-known fact that the individual who has good mental and
physical health has good resistance to disease. Other protective measures include:
a. Personal Hygiene. The practice of personal hygiene will assist in preventing
disease agents from entering the body.
b. Immunization. While immunization is an excellent method of control for
some diseases, it cannot be relied on completely. It should be used in conjunction with
other control measures. Immunizations are rarely 100 percent effective in preventing a
disease.
c. Prophylaxis. Prophylaxis refers to a direct measure used to prevent or help
prevent a disease. As a prophylactic measure, certain drugs may be given to members
of a command to combat epidemic diseases, such as streptococcal sore throat.
Venereal diseases are sometimes prevented by prompt cleansing of the contaminated
parts of the body with soap and water; however, some contaminated parts cannot be
reached with soap and water. Other diseases, including malaria, may be prevented or
suppressed by medication given before exposure to the disease, but such prophylaxis
should be used only upon orders of competent medical authority.
MD0008
1-12