Dengue Fever

For the past week or so I have been out of commission with dengue fever. This is a rare disease for the interior, but my Surinamese counterpart got it too. I was able to take care of myself, partially out of necessity, for the first three days, but on the fourth day, the care of one of my neighbors, Heni, was greatly appreciated.

On the first night, last Friday, I had a 102 something fever, but I felt a little better during the day. I rested for two days, but got stir crazy by the third, and I tried to work, as much as I was able, on my house. Just after talking to my parents on the phone, however, I fainted. It actually must have looked pretty funny saying, “goodbye,” going to hang up the receiver, and collapsing before it landed on the hook. Then I decided to go to the clinic.

Fainting made many of my neighbors worried, and they insisted that I go to the city. The Peace Corps Medical Officer thought I should too. For a week, I get to recuperate in the city, reading books on African history, watching international news, and eating food not prepared by me. I also have used my time to talk with UNICEF and PAHO people about potential projects in my area, and I’m planning on helping organize the Peace Corps library if I can.