8228th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, Epidemic Hemorrhagic Fever Center (original) (raw)

June 1951-Hospitals in the IX Corps AOR began admitting patients with a mysterious set of symptoms. Patients complained of high fever, headache, and mild depression followed quickly by the appearance of red spots on the arms and trunk. They drank heavily due to thirst, but despite administration of intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, they got worse. Their skin became flushed as their capillaries dilated, and their body temperature and blood pressure dropped. As they went into shock, their vision blurred and they slipped into delirium, convulsions, or a coma. The face of this patient appeared flushed due to dilation of the capillaries. Severe vomiting could also cause blood vessels in the eye to rupture. National Museum of Health and Medicine Mission: To preserve and explore the impact of military medicine. Vision: To preserve, inspire, and inform the history, research, and advancement of military and civilian medicine through world-class collections, digital technology, and public engagement.