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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Visualizing Efficacy of Pesticides Against Disease Vector Mosquitoes in the Field
Published on: March 16, 2019
U.S. Army vector control (preventive medicine) operations during Operation Restore Hope, Somalia
1U.S. Army 485th Medical Detachment, PM(Ento), Fort Polk, LA 71459-5000, USA.
Abstract:
During the early stages of Operation Restore Hope, three U.S. Army preventive-medicine detachments were deployed to Somalia to counter the disease and non-battle injury threat to deployed forces. The activities of these units are discussed, with an emphasis on the entomology detachment. The preventive medicine (PVNTMED) threat facing deployed forces was considerable, and probably greater than that encountered in any recent operation. This threat is discussed, as are the methods used by the PVNTMED detachments to counter the threat. Vector control and pest management operations of the entomology detachment are highlighted, and how they related to the health and comfort of deployed personnel. These operations ranged from routine mosquito surveillance to large-area vector-control missions using a helicopter-slung pesticide dispersal unit. A variety of "lessons learned" are also discussed, focusing on individual and company-level PVNTMED measures.
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