Health problems in the Persian Gulf

Article Abstract:

Health problems endemic, or native, to the Arabian Peninsula are receiving more attention since the deployment of thousands of American troops to Saudi Arabia. Persons from regions where yellow fever is endemic are required by law to be vaccinated against yellow fever before they enter Saudi Arabia. However, no vaccinations are required for those entering the country from Europe or the US. Vaccination against measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, group A meningococcal meningitis, typhoid, and administration of immune globulin (an immune protein administered to prevent hepatitis A) are recommended. The decision to vaccinate against hepatitis B, which is endemic in Saudi Arabia, depends on the length of residence, risk of injury and subsequent need for blood transfusion, potential contact with virus carriers, and probability of intravenous drug abuse or sexual contact. The prevention of malaria, which is endemic in the western and southern provinces of Saudi Arabia, involves drug treatment with chloroquine phosphate, insect repellents for skin and clothing, protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants, and mosquito netting for sleeping. Diarrhea, a common illness in the Arabian Peninsula, can be prevented by dietary discretion, fluid replacement, and the use of quinolone-type antibiotics and loperamide. Helminthic (worm infections) and sexually transmitted diseases can be managed with conventional treatment, although tuberculosis, which is widespread in Saudi Arabia, is resistant to common antituberculous drugs. Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever, a tick-borne viral illness, is rare, but can be fatal when transmitted in hospitals, and should be treated with the drug ribavirin. The drugs recommended for treating other infections, including sandfly fever, leishmaniasis, typhus, brucellosis, Q fever, and rabies are discussed. Environmental threats include severe heat injury, and a variety of poisonous snakes and insects. The most common illnesses threatening the health of military personnel in Saudi Arabia are diarrhea and heat injury. Other diseases include tuberculosis, a viral hemorrhagic fever, malaria, and parasitic infections. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Persian Gulf, Environmentally induced diseases, Environmental illness

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Priorities outlined to counter global oral disease problems

Article Abstract:

The World Oral Health Report' released by the WHO officials estimated that 5 billion people worldwide have suffered from tooth decay. The report has also outlined the priorities of the WHO Global Oral Health Program such as addressing sugar consumption, tobacco use and lack of calcium.

United States, Reports, Dental caries, World Health Organization

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The postwar hospitalization experience of Gulf War veterans possibly exposed to chemical munitions destruction at Khamisiyah, Iraq

Article Abstract:

The risk and pattern of hospitalization in Gulf War veterans exposed to nerve agents does not differ greatly from that of non-exposed veterans. Cox modeling, hospitalization rates, and morbidity data are described.

Care and treatment, Persian Gulf War veterans, Persian Gulf syndrome, Hospital admission and discharge, Hospitals, Veterans', Veterans hospitals

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