(5) Transmission/prevention. Transmission directly from man to man is
negligible. For control and prevention, follow these guidelines:
Observe good sickroom hygiene.
Disinfect contaminated fomites.
Generally, prevent the disease in animals (by vaccination and other
means) and avoid infected animals and their habitants.
c. Respiratory Transmission of Certain Arthropod-Borne Diseases. Under
conditions, several diseases, which are classed as arthropod-borne diseases, may also
be transmitted by respiratory means.
In epidemic typhus outbreaks, a few cases may be caused by inhalation
of dried infective louse feces in dust.
In endemic typhus outbreaks, an occasional case may be caused by
inhalation of dust containing dried infective flea feces.
In a case of plague, in which the causative agent has migrated to the
patient's lungs (pneumonic plague), the disease is highly communicable by respiratory
discharges.
Section II. TROOP HOUSING AND RESPIRATORY DISEASE CONTROL
3-15. GENERAL
a. The Problem. The factors in transmission of respiratory diseases make
outbreaks of these illnesses more difficult to control than other types of diseases. This
is particularly true in the military, where close contact with large numbers of people is a
way of life.
b. Control Measures. Control measures for respiratory diseases in military
units are based primarily on maintaining high standards in troop housing, where most
close contact occurs. The following factors should be emphasized:
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