1701AREFW(P) SUSPECTED FOODBORNE ILLNESS

File: aabob_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 1
SUBJECT:  1701AREFW(P) SUSPECTED FOODBORNE ILLNESS

     MEMO FOR THE RECORD 18 Feb 91
     SUBJECT Suspected Foodborne Illness, 1701 AREFW(P)
     TO: Brig Gen Caruana
     
    1. On 15 Feb 91, at 1855 hrs USAF personnel began reporting to the 325th TAC
    HOSP emergency room with signs of acute gastroenteritis. Currently 55
    personnel, no flyers, have reported for treatment. Thirteen of those have
    been admitted.
    
    2. Symptoms include diarrhea (82% of the cases), headache, fever (38-39
    degrees Centigrade), nausea chills, malaise, and some vomiting. People
    involved reside at the Haj terminal. There are 213 at that terminal. One
    hundred seventy six (176) of them ate the suspected meal, baked turkey served
    on 14 Feb 91 for the evening meal(catered by Saudi). The incubation period
    (time between exposure and illness) is primarily 24-36 hours. However, a few
    cases are exceeding that time. Several personnel who did not seek treatment
    initially are now trickling in. Additionally, some of those treated initially
    are having a relapse and are being retreated.
    
    3. Medical investigators believe the outbreak is subsiding. They are
    attempting to verify the source and culture the specific organism. When their
    report is finalized I'll forward a copy to you.
    
    [(b)(6)]
     .
     WILLIAM  C. WETLAND, LtCol, USAF, BSC
   Command Environmental Health Officer
     Office of the Command Surgeon