Effects of San Diego Area Fires on Respiratory Conditions in Military Communities and San Diego-Based Military Manages to Stay Healthy During Fires
Abstract
This brief paper describes the effects of the recent San Diego area wildfires on outpatient respiratory visits to local military medical treatment facilities (MTFs). Beginning October 26, 2003, San Diego County and surrounding areas experienced the worst firestorm in 33 years. The fires produced massive amounts of smoke and ash, which can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, as well as aggravate healthy lungs and throats. Using the Medical Data Surveillance System (MDSS), a passive surveillance tool that monitors health conditions using automated medical encounter records, outpatient medical visits at hospitals and clinics in two large military catchment areas were examined to assess unusual increases in respiratory conditions. Camp Pendleton and San Diego MTFs serve approximately 300,000 active-duty service members (primarily Navy and Marine Corps), family member, recruits, and retirees. Analysis of outpatient visits several days before and after the fires began showed that the number of respiratory cases was not unusually high as a result of the fires, at least in the short term. Results suggest that individuals heeded advice, took precautions, and remained indoors, thereby reducing or avoiding short-term respiratory problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 12, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA457909
Entities
People
- Brian P. Murphy
- Hillary Kleiner
- Susan I. Woodruff
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center