NORTH KOREA COUNTRY HANDBOOK

■ Keep as dry as possible. Many disease organisms are transmitted to
man by direct skin contact with water or wet vegetation. To avoid
becoming infected by these organisms, avoid fresh water contact
when the mission permits. Swimming, wading, and crossing flooded
fields should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Also, keeping
dry will greatly reduce the likelihood of having skin problems.
■ Limit contact with local wild and domestic animals. Adopting pets
from local animal populations is strictly forbidden. If bitten or
scratched by an animal, thoroughly cleanse the wound/skin area with
soap or detergent, even if there is no broken skin, and seek medical
assistance immediately. This includes snake bites.
■ Avoid engaging in sexual activities with local persons, particularly
prostitutes. All deploying personnel must be educated and convinced
of the serious risk of HIV/STD infection associated with prostitutes.
Abstinence is your best protection against infection with an STD.
Though not 100 percent effective, condoms will greatly reduce your
risk of becoming infected with an STD.
■ Be extremely careful about eating and drinking. The safest bet is to
restrict the diet to food and drink only from approved sources, particularly
during field operations. High risk food items (raw seafood or
shellfish, fresh eggs, dairy products, and lettuce or other uncooked
vegetables) should be avoided unless from officially approved
sources.
❏ Do not use local water for drinking or brushing teeth. Local ice is
also considered unreliable. If local water must be used, boil or
disinfect with iodine tablets (per label instructions). Ordinary
chlorine bleach (2 to 4 drops per quart, allow 30 minutes contact)
will also disinfect water.
❏ Make sure all food, especially meat, is thoroughly cooked and
served hot. Avoid salads or raw foods of any kind. Fresh fruit is
safe for consumption if you peel it. Dairy products represent a
very high risk of disease if not pasteurized.
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