Feb
18
Filed Under (General) by Rob on 18-02-2007

…and that’s not a referrence to the Chinese New Year!

Yesterday, Ruth was running a temperature and complaining of a stomach ache. We took her for a malaria test but it was negative. Later in the day, Madelaine had the same symptoms but her malaria test was positive! As a false negative is more likely with the thick smear test, we decide to begin treating both girls.

What I didn’t tell you was that Madelaine’s test result (usually ready in 2 hours) was delayed due to a power cut. In fact, her finger-prick test had to be done by the light of 3 mobile phones. I did politely suggest that the clinic purchase a torch or two, should this happen again! So, we had the result at 11:15pm. As fast diagnosis and treatment are the key with malaria, we woke the kids immediately and gave them their first treatment.

Today, Mads is doing much better. Ruth is okay, but did hit the dizzy heights of 39.7 C this morning. She’s now down to 38.3, which is good. Of course, she’s taking longer to respond because of the delay in treatment due to the false result (the malaria parasite multiplies fast once it starts, so every hour counts). Click here to find out how malaria develops and is spread. Meanwhile, if you’ve not tried the malaria quiz yet, have a go. If you’ve tried, but are stumped, the answers are here: 1c 2a 3c 4d 5a 6c 7b 8c 9c 10d

Meanwhile, Brian and Jean are enjoying their stay and we hope to take them to Grand Popo (NB Germans love this name!!) for a couple of nights, provided the girls are well enough.

Thanks for visiting/praying.



Comments:
2 Comments posted on "What a sweet and sour time we’re having…"
Jezz on February 18th, 2007 at 4:55 pm #

Hi Rob and family!
Wow. A lot has happened since I last read the family blog!
I hope your head heals up rapidly, and that Ruth and Madelaine recover from Malaria quickly.

God Bless


Rob on February 18th, 2007 at 5:11 pm #

Thanks Jezz!

Good to hear from you. Thanks for your message.

cheers,

Rob