Absence…….

 

Many apologies to those of you who may have missed an update in the last week or so……

Firstly I got overwhelmed with work – so much to do and urgently pressing deadlines, and naturally working for the beneficiaries here in Haiti far outweighs writing a blog in importance…….

And then I got sick: I went down with Falciparum malaria, which is not particularly pleasant. Although I’ve had malaria before this, having a new strain was worrying, as this form can turn into cerebral malaria quite quickly.

Fortunately I am carrying some strong drugs with me, and as soon as I suspected malaria I commenced treatment even before I confirmed the problem with blood tests. I am now back on my feet and 100% fighting fit again, with only a short break. By contrast, one of my colleagues who relied on local doctors to treat his malaria developed a serious case of pneumonia and we had to arrange a medical evacuation back to the US for treatment. He is fortunately now recovering slowly but was very sick indeed for several days.

Most of all I am conscious that I am a fit, strong & well-nourished adult – which makes it far easier to fight off such problems. With the advent of rains here in Haiti malaria and dengue cases are on the upsurge dramatically, and many of those affected will have been undernourished for all of their lives and be weakened by weeks exposed to poor sanitation and little food. They will suffer far more than I did.