Sep. 09, 2005 War on Terror Transformation News Products Press Resources ... Contact Us SARS Impact on DoD 'Almost Nil' So Far, Senior Health Official Says By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 2, 2003 So far, the mysterious respiratory illness that's killed almost 400 people worldwide has had a negligible effect on the U.S. military, DoD's top civilian health official said April 29. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, characterized the severe acute respiratory syndrome's impact on DoD health care beneficiaries as "almost nil." He cited just one possible case involving a retiree at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. "I don't want to give a great deal of credence to this report yet, because it's still being evaluated," Winkenwerder cautioned reporters during his meeting with them at the Pentagon. The individual who has recovered had reportedly traveled to Asia, Winkenwerder pointed out, where most SARS cases have been reported. He added that to the best of his knowledge, no one in close contact with that individual came down with the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The fever is sometimes associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache, general feeling of discomfort and body aches. Some people diagnosed with SARS may experience mild respiratory problems, the CDC said, noting that after two to seven days, some patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing. | |
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