Factors associated with the use of protective measures against vector-borne diseases among troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan

John P. Vickery, David R. Tribble, Shannon D. Putnam, Timothy McGraw, John W. Sanders, Adam W. Armstrong, Mark S. Riddle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Methods: Vector-borne diseases are known threats to deployed troops. We performed a cross-sectional study of troops deployed to Southwest Asia between January 2005 and February 2007 to evaluate practices of personal protective measures and their relationship to self-report of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a marker of vector-borne disease threat. Results: Regular or always N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) use was low (2-5%). Associations for DEET use were command emphasis, branch of service, uniform treatment with permethrin, and duty station. Uniform treatment with permethrin was associated with branch of service, command emphasis, and use of DEET. We identified 22 cases of CL (incidence density of 1.8-3.7 per 100 person-years) with increased risk among Reserve/National Guard components, Air Force and Marine personnel. Conclusions: Commanders can influence the use of the military insect repellent system. Unit-based treatment of uniforms improves prevalence. CL incidence may be higher than previously reported.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1060-1067
Number of pages8
JournalMilitary Medicine
Volume173
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Factors associated with the use of protective measures against vector-borne diseases among troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this