U.S. Will Test Antibiotic for Gulf War Illness

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 clinics in the country will offer the antibiotic, based on the theory that the unexplained symptoms are caused by an airborne bacteria and may be contagious.

Dr. Charles Engel, director of the Gulf War health center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, said, “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 Gulf War veterans report suffering from extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, concentration and memory problems, rashes, fever, diarrhea and other symptoms.