Thursday, August 11, 2011

Malaria in Kenya

Once again I've been bitten by a pregnant mosquito. A female mosquito of the Anopheles genus. Apparently the males are vegetarian and I only read today that it's only the pregnant female which draws blood [for food] from the human.

Although I've already had malaria twice in the past five months, this time I really felt awful: painful joints, (I kept wondering if I was developing arthritis in my left hip!) flu-like symptoms, neck tension and subsequent headaches. Grant took me to the clinic last night and the results of my blood test were positive. I looked into the microscope to see how to tell if you have the malaria parasites in your bloodstreams.

Although I saw the parasites in my blood under the microscope last night, I downloaded this photo from the Internet. Mine looked exactly the same!

The company has a well-equipped  clinic in the village,  with trained and competent staff. The people come down from the mountain and surrounding areas in the valley, where the clinics have been abandoned due to bad management, and use our clinic. 

After my second round of anti-malarial drugs this morning, I showered and went back to bed. Ginger was thrilled and slept on my feet! I've been up and had a cup of tea and going back to bed now. I believe I'll be  fine by tomorrow.  

12 comments:

  1. Goodness, Jo! That is so scary. I really hope you recover soon!!

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  2. Oh Jo take it easy. My father had Malaria and relapses for many years after. Do you not take protective drugs? Take care Diane

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  3. Oh My Goodness! Jo, I'm so sorry. I pray this morning (afternoon where you are (that this malaria is whipped back and totally defeated from taking a stand in your body. I had it one time (1985) and almost died - but a church member prayed for me, God healed me, and I've never had it since! May you experience the same.

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  4. May you experience the healing, Jo. Not the "near death" part of it! ☺☺☺

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  5. Poor you ! even mosquitos have strange tastes when they are pregnant just like women who want to eat strawberries at 3 am. (I heard so). It's amazing what I learn with blogging ! even about female mosquitos. I hope you feel better when you read these comments !

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  6. Get well soon Jo-Anne, praying for you.

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  7. Sorry to hear about the number of times you have had Malaria. I thought there was a preventative medication one could take. Do take good care of yourself.

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  8. Lord I pray a healing touch for Jo. Protect her, keep her and strengthen her in Jesus' name I pray, amen.

    Hugs Jo. I'm going on a long road trip. Family member has passed. will "see" you when I get back. Love

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  9. Bless your heart, Jo I'm so sorry that you have malaria again. Please take care of yourself.
    Hugs
    Betsy

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  10. In the olden days in Borneo, they use a bitter herb quinea. Do they still use it?

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  11. Oh, Jo! This really is getting to be a habit, now! I do hope you bounce back soon!

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  12. Eeuw...those parasites floating around with the red blood cells are so creepy! I am so sorry that you have malaria again, Jo. I didn't know that there was a possibility of becoming immune to it. I hope you are well soon.

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