d. Control of Prostitution. Most cases of venereal diseases are acquired from
"friends" rather than from prostitutes. Nevertheless, prostitutes constitute a venereal
disease source--particularly in overseas areas. Installation and area commanders,
upon the recommendations of local Armed Forces disciplinary control boards, should
impose "off limits" restrictions on all known houses of prostitution and other
establishments which encourage casual sexual encounters among patrons.
e. Education. All possible means should be used to educate members of the
military community concerning venereal diseases. The information provided should
cover all aspects of the disease and be presented honestly and factually without
attempts to moralize or threaten. A venereal disease education program which gives
complete information in graphic terms describing the devastating effects of untreated
venereal disease on the bodies of men and women, as well as their unfortunate
offspring, will contribute toward the control of venereal disease. Expressed interest in
the health and welfare of the individual and assurances of immunity from punitive action
will reinforce the effectiveness of the education effort.
f. Recreational Activities. Provision of wholesome leisure time activities at
convenient locations within easy access by all personnel serves as a positive alternative
to sexual promiscuity. Recreational activities should include a wide range of cultural,
intellectual, athletic, and social functions that appeal to servicemen and servicewomen.
Section VII. MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES
1-36. TETANUS
Tetanus ("lockjaw") is an extremely serious disease. It has a mortality rate of 30
to 70 percent in the absence of effective immunization. The disease is caused by a
toxin produced by an anaerobic bacillus, Clostridium tetani. This organism is found in
soil throughout the world and is particularly prevalent in horse manure. The disease
may follow any wound, burn, surgery, or other condition by which the bacteria may gain
entry into the body--particularly a puncture wound. The toxin, acting on the spinal cord,
causes stiffness of the jaw followed by spasms of the muscles of the neck and jaw.
When death occurs, it is caused by respiratory failure due to spasms of the respiratory
muscles. An effective vaccine is available and is administered routinely to all military
personnel. A booster shot is administered whenever an injury occurs which involves a
break in the skin.
1-37. RABIES
a. General. Rabies is an acute viral disease of mammals--including man. It is
not an important disease in terms of frequency since few human cases occur; however,
it is extremely important in that it is almost always fatal once the symptoms have
appeared. The disease is caused by a virus, which attacks the central nervous system.
Reservoirs include dogs, foxes, coyotes, wolves, jackals, bats, skunks, raccoons, cats,
and many other biting mammals.
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