Sweat. Chill. Sweat. Sweat some more. Sweat for no apparent reason. Chill. This was my Thursday.
After frustrated phone calls to my parents, I spoke with the Professor. Apparently, he too had malaria. He was surprising calm about the situation. If my "American daughter"--this is my nickname--were exhibiting the typical malaria symptoms I would have found it a little more pressing. Little Mango and I splurged and took a taxi to the hospital, a whole 3,000 TSh! One of the nurses promptly pricked my finger and drew a small blood sample.
Immediately the lab technicians made a thick and thin blood smear. The process I've watched them complete on a daily basis was now unsettlingly personal. Doubtful that it was actually malaria (I've been diligent in taking my doxycycline and using my bed net), I was nonetheless relieved not to have parasites. My blood counts were all normal too.
Phew! I would have had myself airlifted home if I had malaria. Would they let me back in?
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