Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 1, Number 2, May 1995
Abstract
On 3 April 1995, 120 German paratroopers of the 4th Company, 252d Parachute Battalion stationed at Nagold, Germany arrived at Fort Bragg to participate in exercises with the 3/504 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82d Airborne Division at JRTC, Fort Polk, Louisiana. Exercises were scheduled to begin on 14 April. On the evening of 12 April, three of the German soldiers developed a maculopapular rash. One of these reported to the ER. His prodromal symptoms (malaise, low grade fever, and enlarged posterior auricular lymph Rubella Outbreak In German Troops at Fort Bragg nodes) and the rash proved consistent with rubella infection. The soldier was admitted and the Preventive Medicine Service was notified of the incident. Beginning on the morning of 13 April, the entire German contingent was quarantined in their barracks. Five more Germans developed viral-like symptoms, but only one developed a rash. The presence of rubella at the German's home station was verified by their post surgeon. German army recruits do not receive rubella immunization. In fact, rubella immunization programs in Germany are aimed at adolescent females while males are generally allowed to obtain immunity naturally. Of immediate concern was the amount of exposure the Germans had with the host battalion dependents and the Fayetteville community. They had been entertained primarily by B Company, 3/504 PIR, but had been all over Fayetteville. Pregnant family members and family members of childbearing age were located and rubella status checked. Dependents under 12 months of age were also located to determine if child care centers had been exposed. The Cumberland County Public Health Department was notified of the soldiers' local travel history.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA497182
Entities
People
- Bruce H. Jones
- John Brundage
- Mark V Rubertone
- Sharon L. Ludwig
- Vincent P. Fonseca
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center