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Show NEWS n n o Bum InlOU 0 DWq) 3 i q 2 Nov. 22, 1991 (? by Dixie Cordova Discovery of a parasitic infection in some servicemembers returning from the Mideast has prompted the Defense Department to ask all people who served in the Persian Gulf since Aug. 1, 1990, to temporarily stop donating blood. In following up on servicemembers returning from the Gulf, military physicians and researchers have discovered some cases involving infection with a parasite transmitted by the bites of sand flies. of the half million Desert Storm veterans are Twenty-twsaid to have the parasite known as Leishmania. While usually causing an easily treated skin disease, military health experts identified the infection in bone marrow cultures of seven patients who had no skin lesions. They did, however, have mild illnesses, some with fever and diarrhea. None of the infected people had donated blood. None of the cases involve illness, DOD officials said. The infection is not contagious in contact, but while there are no cases of this specific parasite being transmitted through blood transfusions, five cases of a related strain were reported in medical literature to have been transmitted by transfusion of contaminated blood. According to Lt. Col. Craig Postlewaite, chief of Military Public Health, there have been no cases diagnosed and reported among Hill AFB people. "Since the average incubation period is around four months, the majority of cases should have already been identified," he said. "On rare occasions, however, incubation periods can range up to 2lA years." Postlewaite said the most common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph glands, weakness, anemia, and severe weight loss. If personnel who have traveled to the Persian Gulf are experiencing any of these symptoms, they should be promptly evaluated by a health care provider, he said. Blood already donated by Gulf War returnees will not be withdrawn from the inventory because of the very low risk of contamination versus the risk of a sudden shortfall of critical blood supplies, officials said. For information, call Military Public Health, Ext. 71 166. Combined Federal Campaign publicity manager In a time of uncertain budgets and economic recession, Hill employees opened both their hearts and their pocketbooks by contributing $677,535 to the Combined Federal Campaign. This year's goal was set at $500,000. Thirty five of the 40 base organizations exceeded this year's goals. The average gift per contributor basewide increased by almost 16 percent, going from $71.59 to $82.78 per giver. The Eagle Club has 1,115 members this year. The club, which recognizes donations of $250 per contributor, was started in 1988. More than half of the contributors in the quality programs office and rail shop became Eagles this year. All in all, club membership increased by almost 30 percent. "The key workers were exceptional this year," said Patricia Lindsay, CFC project officer. "Nearly 400 workers gave their time and energy to making CFC a success," she said. Ten key workers were singled out by their project officers for exhibiting extraordinary enthusiasm in conducting their campaigns. Brig. Gen. John C. Griffith, Ogden Air Logistic Center vice commander, honored these people by visiting each one in his work area. He presented each with a framed certificate and his personal thanks. "It was difficult to choose the best when everyone was so good," Lindsay said. "We had people like Barbara Stuart over at the Defense Reutilization Marketing Office. She ff baked cookies and provided refreshments with her CFC presentation she even did sign language to make sure everyone had the opportunity to participate," said Lindsay. Another outstanding key worker was TSgt. Anthony Pratt, Technology and Industrial Support Directorate, who works graveyard shift and attends school evenings. He is also married and raising a family. During CFC, Pratt went to his office during swing and day shifts to make personal contact with every member of his organization. In addition to Stuart and Pratt, the following key workers received visits from the general: Jimmie L. Collins, Contracting Directorate; Eileen J. Allphin, 1881st Commmunications-Compute- r o person-to-perso- Systems Group; Maj. Russ Miller, ICBM Product Directorate; Scott Nelson, Financial Management Directorate; Richard Petty, Technology and Industrial Support Directorate; MSgt. James Head, 2952nd Combat Logistics Support Squadron; Clovis Connelly, Rail Shop; and Jean Webb. 388th Fighter Wing. "We tried to choose those who represented the type of person all the key workers are," Lindsay said. "This is another success story for Hill. The thousands of recipients thank you from the bottom of their hearts," she concluded. n n, ' fMiT? nrncsT U Uvi U ZAa uJ U e) t1 I ($ -- Military - Civilian Personne- l- P 5 3 Gulf veterans asked not to donate blood (o3 D Hilltop Times Convenient and Quick Cashn etc.Q$, Cash for personal needs, vacations, BORROW UP TO $200 INSTANTLY!! Military ID or Civilian ID and Post Dated Check is all you need. IF YOU NEED INSTANT CASH, COME SEE US AT HI 2778 300 EAST GENTILE ST. OPEN MON.-THUR- S. (Inside Layton 10 TO 5 SAT. 12 TO-- Mini-Mal- l) - FRI. LAYTON, UTAH 10 TO 5:30 4 1 l |