Cholera came

On Monday Choera arrived at Kay Ste. Anne.  Working in the cholera camp last week when it was not safe to travel the short distance to Kay Ste. Anne provided me with an ability to recongize it; actually it was the smell which gave it away.  Cholera has a distinct smell, not a pleasant scent, although certainly I have smelled seemingly worse odors though probably less deadly.   The first child from Kay Ste. Anne was taken over to the cholera tents on Monday afternoon.  He tested positive on arrival was given rehydration intervenously and orally, as well as some medication.  He recovered quickly and returned to Kay Ste. Anne aproximetly 24 hours later where he was happily reunited with his baby sister.  Around the same time he was returning another child became ill and was taken over to the Cholera tents.  I visited  him this afternoon, he is doing well; they will send him back to Kay Ste. Anne shortly.

The third child was not so fortunate, a four year old girl name Katiana.  She became ill quite quickly this morning.  Apparently dying within a very short time of the onset of symptoms while staff was in the process of getting her to the hospital.  When I got news of her death I was actually at the school with her twin sister.  It breaks my heart that this little girl who was laughing and playing yesterday is dead today.  A little girl who lost her mother in the earth quake and had experienced so much trauama and loss, now dies so tragically.  My heart breaks today not only for Katiana, but for all of the staff at Kay Ste. Anne, all of the children especially for her beloved twin sister.

Steps have been taken in attempt to prevent furhter tragedy at Kay Ste.Anne. A nures has been hired to spend the night there.  Everything was sanitized very well today.  There is serum oral mixed ready to be given to anyone who does become sick to prevent dehydration.  Staff are becoming vigilent about having children wash their hands more frequently.  

I generally am reluctant to post pictures of the children because I am probably overly cautious about confidentiality, but here is a the picture of Katiana that went out on an email to inform many people associated with NPH of her death.  She was a beautiful child, with a great smile and wonderful laugh.

As you can imagine these are difficult times here.  Please keep the people of Haiti, especially the children of Kay Ste. Anne and in particular the twim sister of Katiana in your prayers.    
      

Katiana