As suggested by Waddie:
[QUOTE=Spelunker]From the scene of the flu, so to speak, masks are
being issued, but more as a containment item than anything else. At
least some of the detritus of a sneeze or a cough is contained within
the mask. However, as has been pointed out time after time, hand
washing is the primary tool of prevention.
In
the past couple of days we have seen about 500 people in this small
rural clinic. Two have been suspected of being "flu-like" and treated
with anti-viral medication. Most, after walking for two or three days
to arrive here are dehydrated, malnourished, and exhausted.
Most
of our time has been spent in boiling up gallons and gallons of oral
hydration fluid and dispensing it in pint-measuring cups, collecting
those cups, sterilizing them, and passing out more oral hydration fluid.
In
the dispensary there are a half-dozen folks receiving IV rehydration,
with four of those on IV antibiotics for a variety of ailments: there
are also seven infants being monitored, but none suspected of having
swine flu.
So far, the swine flu has been highly hyped in this area, which is so far removed from Mexico City as not not even be a rumour.
Poverty is the illness that infects, affects, and effects these people.[/QUOTE]
And to clarify...
[QUOTE=Spelunker]
[QUOTE=Whispered]Spelunker hi can you post, put in your profile, what state you're in?
That always help
As the populace's attention shifts from the flu to Cinque de Mayo the pueblo has taken on a festive air. Women have donned their wonderfully coloured costumes, men have polished up their musical instruments, while children of all genders and ages beg for treats. Early this morning (shortly after the Sun rose) there was a marvelous display of folk dancing and mummery taking place in the plaza. Scalding hot cup of coffee/cocoa and succulent loaves of bread and native pastries were being hawked on every street corner and wide spot on the road.
On our way to mass, we each indulged according to our wants and desires. What a glorious way to break the fast of the night, surrounded by people thankful for the Sunrise, and ingesting the same treats that have been partaken off for thousands of years by the native peoples of this region.
The mass was dignified and moving and a celebration of LIFE in all its triumphs and defeats. Although not Catholic I was moved to tears by the fellowship and the prayers that embraced each of us who are working at the clinica/dispensary.
The flood of people seeking medical attention has slowed to a trickle, however I must share with you a story of promise, renewal, and effervescent hope. Yesterday afternoon a young couple arrived at the gates of the clinic asking for help. The woman was obviously in active labour and having trouble. With hundred of apologies from the husband for bothering us, the woman was escorted to a private room where it was discovered that her infant was presenting in a frank breech position. The ‘team’ was able to successfully "turn" the babe and in very short order a lovely newborn was to breast, suckling with gusto, the mother was literally beaming, the father was on his knees praying for everyone. Although born short of cinque this gorgeous black-haired babe has been named Maya.
One of our dispensary patients was transferred to a hospital in Mexico City proper, for more aggressive treatment of a pneumonia. Three others were taken off IV hydration, and all but one of the infants have been release upon condition that they return tomorrow for further evaluation.
The influenza pandemic has been diverted/avoided/overcome, at least in this locale.
Wash your hands!
thanks for the update, for which I requested via PM before seeing this... nice to read and celebrate the new May life!! What a wonderful story about the new baby. It's nice to see a new life born I'm sure in the face of so much sickness. Continuing to pray for your mission. God Speed.Shug, I'm so grateful and happy to read your post. You have no idea how much I want to be there. We just received a post from friends in La Penita who are the editors of a local internet English speaking newspaper and they discussed in detail how the Mexican government and the people are dealing with this latest turn of events. If anyone is interested go to http://www.jaltembasol.com/
How wonderful you were there for little Maya's entrance into the world! We take so much for granted here and I am grateful for those, like you and Lindy, who are willing and able to give of their time and talents.
Take care and safe travels.
Edited to add; The link works great Lindy, thanks for a great link!
Lindy, I will be here at least until May 06, a couple members of the team has gone to central Mexico City to work with those patients who have been diagnosed as positive for this variant of swine flu.
Other teams are considering going into Chiapas to conduct some clinics, while another group is talking about going further south. It -all- depends on the dollars available and whether transportation can be arranged.
Thanks again, Shug
great story, thanks for sharingShug, how's it going? LShug, are you still in Mexico? I was wondering if we could have an update?
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