-Caveat Lector- Gov't To Test Gulf War Treatments .c The Associated Press SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The U.S. government will start testing an antibiotic this month as a possible cure for the thousands of veterans who say they suffer from Gulf War syndrome. Thirty military and veterans clinic in the country will offer the antibiotic, based on the theory that the symptoms caused by an airborne bacteria and may be contagious. ``We're not dealing with a black plague,'' said Dr. Charles Engel, director of the Gulf War health center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. ``Most people feel relatively comfortable. It is not infectious in the way that would result in some sort of catastrophic epidemic.'' The $8 million study is one of two sponsored by the Defense Department and the Veterans Affairs Department. A $12 million study will test exercise and behavior changes as a possible cure. An estimated 100,000 of the 700,000 Gulf War troops report suffering from the illness, characterized by extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, concentration and memory problems, rashes, fever, diarrhea and other symptoms that last six months or more. There are currently about 120 projects by the U.S. government investigating the cause, characteristics and prevalence of the illness. In the antibiotic study, researchers will look for strains of myscoplasma, a bacteria known to cause some plant and animal diseases. If the bacteria is found to be the cause, that means the illness can be treated, but is likely mildly contagious. AP-NY-04-14-99 2157EDT Copyright 1998 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
