The Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR) shares the news of the recent death of our colleague, Valerie Williams.

This data analysis identified a small number of reported chikungunya cases, and even fewer hospitalizations, suggesting that risk of chikungunya virus disease to U.S. service member readiness is small.

Compared to civilians, active component service members may have increased risk of SLE due to greater exposure to environmental risk factors such as silica dust and ultraviolet radiation, and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, which have been linked to SLE.

Chlamydia, by far the most frequently reported medical event (RME) with the MHS, declined by 17% in October, to 1,190 cases, from 1,437 cases (adjusted) in September; this follows a 15% decline from August to September. Gonorrhea, the second highest RME, declined 15% in October, to 192 cases reported cases in September, from 225 cases (adjusted). ...

Command decisions for balancing risks have differed in every pandemic of the past century because those decisions occurred in a broader cultural context of acceptable health risks tied to available technology and scientific knowledge.

Continuous surveillance is essential to prevent cold weather injuries and mitigate their adverse impacts on military operations.

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends influenza vaccination for all health care personnel, including MHS staff, to protect both themselves and their patients.

This report describes recent frequencies and rates of clinically-diagnosed sunburn among active component service members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Common respiratory viruses are associated with substantial morbidity within the MHS.

Reportable Medical Events are documented in the Disease Reporting System internet by health care providers and public health officials throughout the MHS.

The emergence of mutant P. falciparum parasites in many malaria-endemic areas has led to false-negative results in all HRP2-detecting rapid diagnostic tests, undermining their critical utility, especially in deployment settings.

Complete and timely reporting of notifiable medical conditions among the Department of Defense (DOD) beneficiary population is important for the control of communicable and preventable diseases and injuries.

Reportable Medical Events are documented in the Disease Reporting System internet by health care providers and public health officials throughout the Military Health System.