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Food/Water/Waterborne Disease/Illness |
OVERVIEW
Prior to deployment, the key to preventing illnesses and diseases from consumption of
food and water is following the strict guidelines and procedures established by
PVNTMED. During deployments, apply individual PMM. Infectious diarrhea results
from contamination of water and food by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Water-and foodborne diarrheal diseases are of particular concern to the military because they can be spread to
large numbers of service members simultaneously with disastrous consequences for combat
readiness. Parasites (amoebas, Giardia, and tapeworms) consumed in water or
undercooked food, especially meat and fish, can cause prolonged illness. Diarrhea,
especially when vomiting or fever is present, can cause dehydration.
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WATER
Fill your canteen with treated water at every chance. When treated
water is not available, you must disinfect the water in your canteen
using one of the following methods.
Preferred method—iodine tablets:
Alternate methods—
Chlorine Ampules:
- Fill your canteen with the cleanest water available.
- Mix one ampule of chlorine with one-half canteen cup of water; stir the mixture
with a clean device until contents are fully dissolved.
- Pour one canteen capful of the above solution into your canteen of water.
- Place the cap on your canteen and shake. Slightly loosen the cap and tip the canteen
over to allow leakage around threads. Tighten cap and wait 30 minutes before drinking.
- If the nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) canteen cap is used, then use two
caps of the solution.
NOTE
By wearing gloves or wrapping the ampule in paper or cloth, you can
avoid cutting your hands when breaking open the glass ampule.
Emergency Water Treatment Kit (CHLOR-FLOC® Tablets):
- Tear off the top of the plastic water treatment bag at the perforation (first time use).
- Fill the treatment bag one-half full with the cleanest water available; add 1 tablet.
- Fold bag tightly three times and fold tabs in.
- Hold bag firmly and shake until tablet dissolves. Swirl 10 seconds. Let the bag sit
for 4 minutes. Swirl again for 10 seconds.
- Let bag sit for an additional 15 minutes.
- Insert filter pouch in neck of canteen. Pour water from bag through the filter into
the canteen. Avoid pouring sediment into the filter.
- Rinse the filter with treated water after use. Always filter through the same side of
the filter.
- Rinse sediment from treatment bag. Save bag for water treatment only.
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CAUTION
Do not drink from the treatment bag! The water is still contaminated
and must be filtered before drinking. Not filtering may cause
stomach and intestinal disorders.
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Household Bleach:
NOTE
Ensure bleach is unscented. (To check for chlorine residual, see Tasks 7
and 8, Appendix A.)
Table 2-1. Drops of Household Bleach to be Added to a One-Quart Canteen
| AVAILABLE CHLORINE | CLEAR WATER | COLD OR CLOUDY WATER |
| 1 PERCENT | 10 | 20 |
| 4—6 PERCENT | 2 | 4 |
| 7—10 PERCENT | 1 | 2 |
BOILING
- When chlorine or iodine is not available, bring water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes.
- In an emergency, boiling water for just 15 seconds will help. Boiled water must be
protected from recontamination.
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CAUTION
If water is suspected of NBC contamination, do not attempt to treat.
Seek a quartermaster water supply.
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FOOD
- Do not buy foods, drinks, or ice from civilian vendors unless approved by veterinary
personnel or PVNTMED personnel.
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CAUTION
Obtain food from approved sources ONLY.
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- In emergency situations, choose low-risk foods such as
baked goods (breads) and thick-skinned fruits that you
can peel before eating. Eat only fruits and vegetables
that grow above the ground.
- When eating in local establishments or from approved
vendors, only eat hot food entrees or raw foods that you
can wash and peel prior to eating.
- Inspect all cans and food packets prior to use. Discard all cans with leaks or bulges.
Discard food packets with visible holes or obvious signs of deterioration.
- Do not eat foods or drink beverages that have been prepared in galvanized containers
(zinc poisoning). Canned, bottled, or vacuum-packed products should draw in air
when opened (suction/hissing sound). If no sound is heard, or if there are any offodors, colors, or foaming (except for carbonated beverages), discard the product.
Do not taste.
- Do not eat or drink local (unapproved) ice, snow cones, open drinks with ice, or
similar products; such food can cause foodborne illness/disease.
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WASH YOUR HANDS
Use soap and drinking (potable) water—
- After using the latrine.
- Before touching eating utensils or food.
- After eating.
- After handling any item that can potentially transfer
germs.
- Frequently during the work day to keep your hands
free of germs.
WASH YOUR MESS KIT/EATING UTENSILS
A sure way to get diarrhea is to use a dirty mess kit or eating utensils. Protect yourself by
washing your mess kit/eating utensils—
- In a mess kit laundry/sanitation center.
- With treated water or disinfectant solution.
DISPOSE OF YOUR WASTE IN AN APPROVED MANNER
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On a march, personal disposal bags should be used first, if available.
If not available, personal cat holes can be used only if your unit is on
the move! Always dispose of your waste immediately if your unit is on
the move to prevent flies from spreading germs from waste to your
food. Disposing of your waste also helps keep unwanted animals out
of your bivouac area. Chemical toilets or burnouts are to be used in
bivouac area. (See Chapter 3, Section V.)
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Index
Index
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