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Navy Epidemiologist Sees Potential Danger of Influenza
Story Number: NNS040923-07
Release Date: 9/23/2004 12:10:00 PM
By Bill Doughty, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Navy epidemiologist Lt. Cmdr. Eric Kasowski, of Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii, visited the Western Pacific in mid-September to enhance force health protection for forward-deployed forces and their families.
During the visit, Kasowski established a surveillance program in Sasebo, Japan, trained healthcare professionals in Yokosuka, and gave a series of talks on emerging diseases in Asia. The main focus was Avian Flu, a dangerous type of influenza, which primarily affects birds but can also spread to humans.
“We’re trying to raise awareness of the potential threat of Avian Influenza," Kasowski said. "Most of the world’s public health organizations consider it a threat that could cause the next human pandemic.”
At this time, Avian Flu is considered only a low risk to military operations, but Kasowski said healthcare officials must be vigilant to protect people from all forms of flu.
“You can control an epidemic if you are very, very aggressive,” he said, “mostly through isolation and quarantine.”
Throughout history, epidemics of deadly forms of influenza have killed millions of people. Lives can be saved, said Kasowski, if we learn the lessons of history.
With flu shot season approaching at military treatment facilities, Kasowski advised everyone to get flu shots and to use common sense measures to prevent the spread of flu.
“If you become sick with a fever, stay home,” he said. “And wash your hands at least five times a day and for at least 20 seconds. Studies have shown this reduces the incidence of respiratory illness.”
To reduce the possibility of contracting Avian Flu, people should stay away from markets selling live birds, and avoid close contact with chickens and waterfowl, including ducks, he added. He acknowledged that this can be difficult, considering the importance of poultry markets in many Asian cultures.
“BMC Sasebo [will be] ready to administer this year's flu shots as soon as the vaccine is received," said Cmdr. Ron Dodge, officer in charge of Branch Medical Clinic Sasebo. "Additionally, by participating in the flu surveillance program, we have additional supplies/tests that we can run on those exhibiting flu-like symptoms after the immunizations are given, just in case there is another strain/type of flu in the area that the vaccine is not protecting against.
“The best thing the community can do to prepare for and prevent the spread of influenza is to get vaccinated, stay healthy, wash your hands often, and minimize contact with those that are ill/symptomatic,” Dodge advised. “With these steps, they will be minimizing both their individual risk and that of their community.”
Kasowski will continue to monitor for signs of emerging diseases throughout the Pacific from his office, strategically positioned in Honolulu, Hawaii, and aligned with U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Pacific Command headquarters.
“We’re trying to put resources in place now to protect our forward-deployed forces,” he said.
For related news, visit the U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nhyoko.
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