Sheppard winning war against adenovirus Published Sept. 4, 2007 By 82nd Medical Group SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Team Sheppard's effort to limit the spread of adenovirus among the base's airmen is achieving excellent results, according to medical staff, with less than two dozen cases originating at Sheppard since May. Capt. Kari Ensz of the 82nd Medical Group Public Health Office said that while 136 cases of adenovirus have been positively identified at Sheppard, 80 percent of those were identified within two weeks of the patient's arrival from Lackland AFB. That means the illness was contracted there and "imported" here. Only 22 people are known to have actually contracted the illness while here at Sheppard, she said. Of these secondary transmissions, only three have involved permanent party airmen. "Overall, we've experienced a low number of cases and very few secondary infections," said Captain Ensz. "With over 5,000 Airmen in Training here, this is a true Team Sheppard success story." But Captain Ensz stressed that there is no room for complacency. "From the very beginning, we've known that our disease prevention efforts would be a marathon, not a sprint. Once introduced into a population like basic military trainees, it is difficult to eliminate the virus completely." Led by the 82nd Medical Group, Sheppard is aggressively pursuing its disease containment plan. Military Training Leaders and instructors closely monitor Airmen in Training arriving at Sheppard for signs of cough, sore throat or fever. Anyone exhibiting symptoms is sent to the Student Health Clinic for examination and lab tests. As a preventive measure, these airmen are required to wear masks and are restricted to quarters for 24 hours. They are then checked daily at the clinic, and preventive measures are kept in place as long as symptoms last. The other key aspect of the containment plan involves sanitation and personal hygiene, said Captain Ensz. "Adenovirus is passed from person to person through close contact with someone who is ill or by touching virus-contaminated objects like door handles, desks, phones or pens and pencils. The best way to protect your health is impeccable sanitation in common areas, frequent hand washing and use of a hand sanitizer." There is currently no vaccine to prevent adenovirus, which is a viral respiratory illness which causes flu-like symptoms, such as: · Cough · Sore throat · Fever · Congestion · Headache Symptoms generally appear within five to seven days of exposure and last for two to three days. It is usually fairly mild, much like the flu, but can develop into more severe diseases like pneumonia--which is why it requires closer observation and an extended period of rest after symptoms have disappeared. For more information about adenovirus, contact the Public Health Office at 676-3052.