Combat Stress

INTRODUCTION

The threat to health and readiness of sailors and Marines posed by malaria stimulated the creation of the Malaria “Blue Book” in 1984.

Prevention and treatment of malaria is more complex due to the emergence of drug resistance, pesticide resistant mosquito vectors, and large populations of infected people in many areas of the world.

The World Health Organization estimates that two billion people are at risk for malaria infection. Each year, malaria causes more than 300 million clinical cases and over two million deaths. In 1995, children under the age of five accounted for 800,000 of those deaths. The direct and indirect costs associated with malaria infections are enormous; costs were over 1.8 billion dollars in 1995 in Africa alone.

Malaria strikes during war, during deteriorating social and economic conditions, and after natural disasters; all situations where the military is called to serve. Deployed forces cannot afford loss of personnel or depletion of resources for cure and convalescence.

Protecting and improving the health of airmen, soldiers, sailors, and Marines while serving in such operations requires thorough understanding of the prevention and treatment of malaria. This “Malaria Pocket Guide” includes information to help service personnel:

Understand the transmission and life cycle of malaria parasites.

Prevent malaria.

Diagnose and treat malaria.

Persuade commanders to enforce malaria preventive measures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Malaria: Disease, Life Cycle, Distribution

Prevention.

Personal Protective Measures

Chemoprophylaxis

Unit Protective Measures

Diagnosis

Treatment

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Military Malaria Control Responsibilities

APPENDIX

Information & Intelligence Sources; Consultants

Mosquito Vectors and Identification

Laboratory Diagnostic Techniques

Antimalarial Medications

Supplies and Training Aids .

Glossary

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