Military medicine
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Diarrhea and respiratory disease were common problems among ground troops deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield. In order to determine the prevalence and impact of diarrheal and upper respiratory disease among shipboard personnel during this period, an epidemiologic survey was conducted on the hospital ship, USNS Mercy T-AH 19. ⋯ Officers were at increased risk of experiencing an episode of diarrhea, and female crew members more often reported respiratory complaints. Improved strategies to prevent diarrhea and respiratory disease among shipboard personnel are needed.