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Viral gastroenteritis: the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT experience
David R Whittaker1, Jerome T Campbell, Michael D McCarten
1Medical Department, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, FPO AE 09599-2871, USA.
Military Medicine
|October 22, 2004
Summary
A viral gastroenteritis outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt highlighted the need for improved disease prevention. Implementing hand hygiene stations and stricter protocols can minimize future onboard disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Naval Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Disease transmission at sea presents unique challenges for naval operations.
- Maintaining crew health is critical for mission readiness.
- Previous outbreaks underscore the importance of robust infection control.
Observation:
- The USS Theodore Roosevelt experienced a significant viral gastroenteritis outbreak.
- The medical department managed the impact on crew health and operations.
- The Navy Disease Non-Battle Injury tracking system was utilized and validated.
Findings:
- The outbreak demonstrated the rapid spread potential of viral gastroenteritis in confined naval environments.
- The Disease Non-Battle Injury system effectively tracked the outbreak's impact.
- Recommendations include enhanced hand hygiene and stricter quarantine protocols.
Implications:
- Strategic placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can mitigate future outbreaks.
- Stricter sick-in-quarters policies are essential for effective outbreak management.
- Optimizing resource utilization is key to maintaining medical readiness during disease events.