Explosive outbreak of gastroenteritis on an aircraft carrier: an infectious disease mass casualty situation.
An aircraft carrier experienced 777 cases of acute gastroenteritis while deployed in the eastern Mediterranean over a 16-d period. These cases were noted in the 5,000-man crew, suggesting a cumulative incidence rate of 15%, though many sailors did not seek medical care for their symptoms. The onboard medical department response included epidemiological investigation with unique shipboard facility considerations, development of a treatment plan, and implementation of preventive/educational programs. Implications for nontrauma related mass casualty situations are discussed. Flight surgeons and operational medicine physicians must have a solid foundation in general preventive medicine to fulfill their responsibilities.
Bohnker
B
B
Medical Department, USS FORRESTAL (AVT 59), Norfolk, VA 23511.
McEwen
G
G
Feeks
E
E
Palombaro
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D014481:United States