UNITED STATES
/
ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
PAC.FIC AREA SUPPORT GFF TE
ENEWETAK ATOLL, Mi. S6737
17
June
AOOB}
ae Bee
1977
Bria. General Thomas E.
Field Command, DNA
Lacy,
Commander
Dear General Lacy:
Upon reviewing with the Enewetak Chief Medical Officer
(Lt. Col. Thorpe) the medical examination records of
certain TTPI employees, I am concerned about these
employees as potential vectors for parasite infestation
of U. S. personnel.
According to Dr.
are
reported
in
Thorpe,
a number of parasite strains
the records
of
examination,
and he has
learned that this problem is prevalent in the Marshails.
One specific strain is said to be common in the population.
Dr. Thorpe indicates that in aU. S. population
the presence of these parasites would be expected to be
accompanied by clinical symptoms (apparently absent among
the emplovee candidates).
This suggests a resistance or
immunity which we do not enjoy.
Because of the rarity of certain of these parasites in
the U. S. population, Dr. Thorpe acknowledges littie more
than a textbook acquaintance with their control and management.
In response to my direct question, he indicated
that he would be more comfortable with the advice of a
trained parasitologist or specialist in tropical medicine.
Such specialized competence is known to be available at
Tripler Army Hospital and, perhaps, elsewhere in the military complex in Hawaii.
Although
I
certainly
see no reason
for alarm,
I
strongly
urge that arrangements be made for a suitably qualified
professional to review this health and welfare matter
while the numbers are still small and the problem is only
potential.
(continued Page 2)
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