11.18.14 Tuesday

Busy day. Went to visit more ECE's - early childhood education centers to repeat hemoglobins. As usual it is fun to play with the kids. We made rooster balloons from the gloves at one  school.
On another note, while we do not have Ebola, we have another serious infection calle melioidosis. It is found in Northeastern Australia, Thailand, and a few Pacific islands. We have had five patients with the infection (obtained from spores in the soil and water) and no survivors. We are batting a 100. This is a major public health problem, so  I spent tonight reviewing the charts looking for a common thread to help us identify these patients earlier. The demise is very quick.

To keep on a positive note - here are some pictures of the kids. It is just amazing that Janet and Carlos can convince a four  or five year old to have the finger pricked.  And the kids watch it done!

This little fellow is only one and  not feeling too well. His Mom works in our immunization program.

Getting ready to check the kids, we all sat on the floor. No one wears shoes indoors - not in the homes, schools, shops, etc. So the floors are clean. It probably is an excellent way to keep out the soil pathogens. I do the same at my house too - no shoes indoors. And my boys have learned to stop and wipe their feet first if they want a treat.

Janet. Notice the gloves. We had a lecture on standard/universal precautions. Have noticed and been told that many are now wearing them. Very nice to see.

Carlos.

A Mom  and an Auntie. Nice to see a parent or other relative at school.

She is a cutie.

Just having fun.

Carlos and his little nephew.

A little Tom Brady. Wonder if he knew we had a great game Sunday night.

Teaching the children how to write their letters.

Some are more interested than others!

She was very curious about this setup. No tears when she had her finger pricked.

Maybe a doctor in the future? She is a doll.

Gracie is adorable.

We made rooster balloons from the gloves for all of the children. Can't make just one.

The teacher was a good sport. She drew faces on each balloon and each child's name.

Fun was had by all.

My dog Chocolate does not look too good. I tried a home remedy on his mange yesterday (cooking oil to smother the mites). I went to the pharmacy at the hospital today and got the medicine they use for kids with scabies. While Andrew fed him cheerios, I applied the cream to all of his spots. Hope it helps with the itching. Saw him walking home tonight and he looked better. I don't know why he decided to come up to me that one day, but I have been looking after him ever since. One of the ladies thanked me for  feeding him but I think most people think I am crazy for taking care of him. Maybe with some calories and some medicine his coat will improve. And you do remember that smile from him on the last blog. Next will have to figure out how to get him a bath - may be a sea bath. We'll see.