Defense appears to have advantage over offense in biological warfare

Article Abstract:

The Iraqi army has used chemical weapons, including mustard gas and mycotoxins (substances from molds or toxins that cause illness or death), during the war with Iran. It is feared that they will be used against the Desert Storm coalition troops as well. Although Patriot missiles have been very effective against the Scud-B missiles, the fear of chemical warheads remains. However, US troops have extensive resources available for dealing with chemical warfare, including vaccination, protective clothing, and drugs. A vaccine is available to prevent anthrax, normally a danger only to large-animal veterinarians and workers in the fur and hide industry. A botulinum toxoid developed by the military is being used to immunize the troops against botulism. Vaccines against other diseases are also being stockpiled. Biological weapons will probably not be effective, and the chemical weapons used during the Iran-Iraq War were effective because the troops had no protective equipment. US forces in Saudi Arabia carry nerve gas antidote and anticonvulsant medication. The US troops are well-equipped to resist a biological attack, and casualties are not expected to be substantial. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Prevention, Biological warfare, Battle casualties

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Comparative mortality among US military personnel in the Persian Gulf region and worldwide during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Article Abstract:

The death rate among soldiers in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/Storm was no higher than among soldiers deployed elsewhere during that time. Researchers used military records to determine the number and types of non-battle deaths among all soldiers who were on active duty between August 1990 and July 1991. A total of 2,590,193 people were on active duty during this time and 688,702 were in the Persian Gulf. There were 1,622 non-battle deaths worldwide during this time and 225 (14%) occurred among troops in the Persian Gulf. Eighty-two percent of the deaths in Persian Gulf personnel were from unintentional trauma, such as motor vehicle or aircraft accidents or explosions. This compared to 56% in those deployed elsewhere. Thirty (13%) of the deaths in Desert Shield/Storm personnel were from illness such as heart disease, cancer and infections, compared to 19% in those stationed elsewhere. Non-battle death rates were no higher than expected in Desert Shield/Storm personnel.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Military personnel, Operation Desert Shield, 1990-1991

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Viscerotropic leishmaniasis in persons returning from Operation Desert Storm - 1990-1991

Article Abstract:

Seven men who served in Desert Storm contracted leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a protozoan transmitted to humans by the bite of a sandfly. The protozoan Leishmania tropica was isolated from all of the men. This species usually causes cutaneous (skin) leishmaniasis, but none of the men had skin lesions. Several had gastrointestinal symptoms, but none had the severe symptoms usually associated with visceral leishmaniasis. They were consequently diagnosed with viscerotropic leishmaniasis. Leishmania tropica may cause a mild form of the disease. Viscerotropic leishmaniasis should be considered in all individuals who have visited the Middle East and have similar symptoms. Cutaneous leishmaniasis has been diagnosed in 16 people who served in Desert Storm. This form of the disease should be considered in anyone visiting the Middle East who subsequently develops skin lesions.

Reports, Leishmaniasis

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