More Marines have malaria symptoms after Liberia mission

Associated Press ^ | 09-09-03

[Brian S]

Ten more U.S. Marines and sailors who were in Liberia last month are being hospitalized with symptoms of malaria, bringing to 43 the number of suspected cases among those who participated in the mission, defense officials said Tuesday.

The 43 represent nearly a third of the 150 who went ashore to assist West African peacekeepers. Doctors are investigating to find out why that rate is so high, said Air Force Capt. Sarah Kerwin, a spokeswoman for European Command.

[Cicero]

This whole mission was a cave-in to the clintonoid liberals. We have NO national security interest in Liberia.

[cyborg]

More? I was on another thread last night. I am beginning to wonder if the drug was good to begin with.

[cricket]

Sorry for these soldiers; a miserable, miserable disease.

[D. Brian Carter]

Looks like some folks forgot to take their Proguanil pills.

[cricket]

"This whole mission was a cave-in . . ." Absolutely; the Clintonista's desire to up te ante against our Military resources was rewarded by GW. . .and of course, giving a 'yes' to the UN as well.

They, of course, respond by a unilateral 'poke-in-our-eye'.

But what else would be expected?

[Snake Eater]

Chloroquine is the traditional prophylaxis against malaria. The problem is, chloroquine-resistant malaria exists across much of Africa. WHO has been charting this and has maps available. I have to wonder if someone neglected to take this into account.

[MudPuppy]

I thought once you got malaria you always had it?

Washington Times
September 9, 2003
Pg. 3

Marines Got Malaria On Liberia Mission

Troops evacuated for treatment

By Rowan Scarborough, The Washington Times

A dozen Marines who participated in peacekeeping in Liberia last month have been diagnosed with malaria, while another 21 military personnel from their unit are exhibiting symptoms for the mosquito-borne disease, military officials said yesterday.

Of the 33 - 32 Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman - two were sent to a military hospital in Germany and the other 31 flown to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. All are on antibiotics that kill the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

"They will be cured of malaria," said Navy Capt. Gregory Martin, a physician specializing in infectious diseases at Bethesda.