Enteric disease on Operation HERRICK. Issue 3 (27th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Connor, Patrick; Hutley, E; Mulcahy, H E; Riddle, M S
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Volume 159:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2013-05-27
• Subjects: EPIDEMIOLOGY -- INFECTIOUS DISEASES -- PUBLIC HEALTH
• DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8665

Abstract

Abstract : Background: It is increasingly recognised that diarrhoeal disease is an important contributor to disease non-battle injury (DNBI) rates on operations. Current data collection methods (J97/EPINATO) rely on self-presentation of patients to medical care, which is likely to under-record the true incidence of diarrhoea in theatre. Along with this, the data recording itself is less than adequate, with acknowledged issues in classification of diarrhoeal disease within J97/EPINATO categories. Methods: Two post-tour diarrhoeal disease questionnaire surveillance exercises were carried out at the end of Operation HERRICK 6 (H6) and 10 (H10), respectively. Results: Crude diarrhoeal disease attack rates were similar across the two surveillance periods with approximately 40% of troops questioned reporting at least one diarrhoeal illness episode. The severity of illness increased from H6 to H10 as measured by disease-related symptomatology and days ill and/or off work. Mission burden was substantial and increased in H10 compared with H6. Conclusions: Diarrhoeal disease is a significant cause of DNBI on operations. Current data collection methodologies underestimate its incidence and true operational burden.