Healthy Airmen, healthy mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
  • 31 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen infected or affected by a disease may ultimately degrade mission effectiveness.  The 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron communicable disease section aims to keep Team Aviano free from disease, as healthy Airmen are better capable to get the job done.

The section's one-woman-team is responsible for disease recognition and control. It also aims to educate Team Aviano on transmissible diseases and ways to prevent them.

"My mission is to prevent disease, disability and premature death," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Teri Cooper, 31 AMDS communicable disease section NCO in charge. "There are so many diseases out there that could have an adverse effect [within] communities, it is important to educate the public, so they can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and others."

In addition to educating the public, Cooper monitors several programs or anything that could negatively impact the health of the base population. She ensures all medical staff are up-to-date on all required immunizations and labs, performs epidemiology investigations and tracks animal bites to control any potential spread of rabies. Additionally, Cooper follows up on tuberculosis detection and control, performs influenza surveillance and oversees the treatment and management of sexually transmitted infections.

"Performing epidemiology and keeping a close watch on patients, supports what public health is responsible for--preventing the spread of diseases," said Cooper.

Ensuring Airmen and their families remain healthy also requires help from other 31st Medical Group members. 

"I work closely with the laboratory technicians because they alert me of all positive, reportable diseases," said Cooper. "The primary care manager teams who care for patients help me identify any illness trends. They refer patients [who experience] reportable events such as an animal bite or individuals with communicable diseases to me for counseling."

Though each member plays an important part in controlling diseases, it can be a challenge knowing who or when someone will be infected. Being prepared is important as diseases are sometimes unpredictable. For example, during the measles outbreak stateside, Cooper said she had to prepare for a possible outbreak here at Aviano.

Carefully looking at every irregular situation as a learning experience for future outbreaks is crucial, as it helps overcome these challenges.

"We're considered the subject matter experts when it comes to communicable diseases," she said "When encountering something unfamiliar, I utilize resources and educate myself on it."

For more information on communicable diseases, call 632-5242.