Pictures of Senegal

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The infectious Infection

I landed myself a week in the medical hut at the Peace Corp's Headquarters in Dakar all due to a staph infection.

I'll spare everyone the oozy details and just say I got it from shaving with germ infested water. The water at site is amazing. The inside of my water filter is rust orange- a deeper orange than the shade on some modern cars. Yuck.

I contacted the Peace Corps doctors the day it started and 48 hours later (48 is a magical medicinal number) it wasn't any better and my butt was told -not asked- to get to Dakar. Luckily, there was a Peace Corps car passing through later on. Unluckily, 'later on' was 20 minutes later. I never packed so quickly.

So I've been stuck in the Med Hut for a few days as the doctors check over me. I've been on antibiotics and it is getting better.

Surprisingly, there is another volunteer quarantined with me for a staph infection and my boss' assistant has one too. Must be the water!

I was really reluctant to come. It's such a jarring experience to go from a rural town to Dakar. Not to mention, it's freaking expensive! Such that Peace Corps gives us a per diem for our time here. There's just no way to do really cheap here.

It hasn't all been unpleasant though. Casino, a very large supermarket is in walking distance. I've made spaghetti bolognaise and tonight we had chicken breasts with tomato basil sauce. And the Cheese! Oh the Cheese! I had forgotten about the cheese isle that is in all French grocery stores. It doesn't exist in the US. So good.

Tomorrow I will be released and I will make my way back to site, spending tomorrow night in Kaolack at the regional house.

2 comments:

Wendy said...

Oh the cheese! You're so funny! Okay, so I won't worry anymore. At least you got a break from the ever-present heat and no a/c. I hope you rested, slept much.

Um....does this mean I can count on you to do the cooking when you return home? That's some fancy menu you cooked up!

I STILL hate to cook...just so you know.

Blue skies over Senegal or wherever you may roam...You are loved and missed.

Mom

Unknown said...

I am so glad you are on the road to recovery Ryan. I was so worried.
I love you.
Aunt Bee