Location: Mosquito and Fly Research Unit
Title: Mosquito Bite Protection Performance of Permethrin-Treated United States Military Uniforms Authors
|Perry, Melynda -|
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 13, 2010
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: Since 1991, permethrin-impregnation of combat uniforms has been standard practice by the United States Military. The incorporation of permethrin into uniforms has taken place mainly in the field using spray cans or Individual Dynamic Absorption (IDA) kits with factory-level permethrin treatment less common despite the use of binders that can lead to high levels of bite protection over the uniform lifetime. Primarily due to recent mosquito-borne disease transmission to deployed Marines, the U.S. Marine Corps completed the transition to stock only factory-produced permethrin-treated combat uniforms in March, 2007. Complicating matters, uniform compositions have changed from 100 % cotton to 50/50 nylon / cotton, and in the past few years to include flame resistant materials. This has led to an increased dependence on factory-treatment these new fire resistant uniforms. In 2010, the U.S. Army has transitioned to a supply of factory-produced permethrin-treated Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniforms (FRACUs) because the composition of this uniform is not amenable to field treatment with permethrin. This talk will discuss the results of bite protection performance of permethrin-treated uniforms fielded by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.