Alive and kicking

I wont get into the whole thing, but I got taken out by a pretty serious case of malaria and had to be evacuated the kinshasa where I received very intense treatment. They used Quinine. Got out of the hospital yesterday and am feeling almost like myself again. Still a bit weak - likely explained by the fact i only started eating again a couple days ago - but on the whole i am just happy to not be sick anymore. At one point I had a fever of 105. It wasnt pretty.

Malaria is a blood parasite that is transmitted by mosquitos. It causes the amount of platelets in your blood to be drastically reduced, among other things. It is the #1 cause of death in the world, despite the fact that it is curable. Most people who die of it cant afford the two dollars in medicine that would save them. Most are children.

Originally I tested negative and then the military doctors in Kindu were throwing the wrong things at it. There is actually a relatively new drug on the market that has been used in China for ages and is now considered the best cure, at least here in Africa. I will now carry a treatment dose with me at all times, take it at the first sign of a fever, and that will prevent me from reaching the point where I need to seek treatment elsewhere. Live and learn. For now I will stay in Kinshasa and recover (i.e. go to nice restaurants).

Congo keeps trying to take me out, but I come back swinging.