Two days ago my friend Rina (Richard/Dick and Rina are the owners of Topsy and Tipsy, the kittens we're looking after) phoned me to say that Dick had been admitted to hospital in South Africa. He had a severe case of malaria. Malaria is a serious tropical disease which takes from 12 - 28 days to incubate. You may contract in Africa, fly out to South Africa and start to feel ill a few days into your holiday. It apparently incubates on the flight over. It's one thing to get malaria here in Africa where the disease is well-known and where the doctors treat the patients without delay. However, to be ill with malaria in South Africa, where the tropical diseases are not well-known, is positively treacherous.
During the early hours of Wednesday morning, Dick was transferred to ICU. Rina phoned me to tell me this, and asked if I'd phone his company here in Mwadui to let them know they wouldn't be able to board the plane back to Dar on Thursday. (today)
During the day, I spoke to Rina several times. She was very upset and kept breaking down while we spoke. She said that Dick's pallor was very yellow and the doctor told her that his one kidney had stopped functioning. Later that day, they told her that his body was so riddled with parasites, that the medication wasn't having an effect anymore.
When Grant and I awoke this morning, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was sure that because I'd not heard from Rina late last night, he may have improved. An hour later Grant phoned me from work and said he had just heard from a very distraught Rina. Dick had died during the night.
This news has shaken every expat on this site. Although Dick and Rina only arrived in Mwadui during February this year, they were loved by each and every South African and by almost all the Tanzanians who knew them.
A genteel and gentle man, was Richard
And a true English gentleman who adored his wife, Rina
Peace be with you, Richard. And all courage to you, dearest Rina!
My heart goes out to Rina! And peace to Richard! Such sad news indeed, Jo!
ReplyDeleteHow very sad for you and Grant, how devastating for Rina. My thoughts are with you, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteLove, K
Sad news.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear your news and Rina must be devastated. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteJo, I am so sorry for all you. Especially Rina. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Dick's family!
ReplyDeleteHow very devastating for everyone concerned, especially dear Rina. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of you and to Rina as she goes through this difficult time. It is a reminder how life is so fragile and can change in an instant. Best wishes and safe travels to you and Grant. Big hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteVery sad news. So sorry for this loss.
ReplyDeleteHow tragic. So sorry for your friend and her family.
ReplyDeleteOh, how terribly sad. It's shocking that he should die of malaria. I am so sad for Rina. I trust that she will find peace and comfort with her friends and from God.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. I don't think South African are always too worried about Malaria and yet it can do this. My condolences to you all
ReplyDeleteHow awful for everyone especially Rina. When I lived in Papua/New Guinea we had to take a tablet everyday to prevent getting malaria. I think it was quinine but this was back in the 60's. Bill and I never got malaria but some of our friends did but they were people who didn't want to take the tablets or forgot to take them. We had to keep on taking them even when we went on leave to Australia. Don't they have preventative medicine in Africa??
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