Demarcation Diaries
14 Sepetmber 2001
The work goes on. There were some adjustments after Manuel's
return, and in the next week teams willbegin to stay in the jungle,
camping.
I have seen some patients, both ribeirinhos and ones from our
teams. Some diseases related to my speciality, which is always
interesting, and many skin lesions caused by a small bug, poto.
It causes a painful dermatitis, like a burn, on contact. I've
had one, and it really hurts. The problem is that it's attracted
by light, and there's a lamp near the table where we have dinner.
And a strategically placed fan blows the potos in our direction.
We'll implement security measures to stop the outbreak, turning
off the fan. So, no need to call the Centre for Disease Control,
yet!
As always, there are the hypochondriacs, always looking for more
medications and plasters.
Wednesday we went to a Deni village called Morada Nova (New House),
more than 100 Deni live there. There is a small house which is
the medical clinic where sometimes a nurse works. The chief (patarahu)
is also the health agent, but couldn't work due to intestinal
infection. There were some medications, but the most simple preventive
measures were absent.
Paradoxical, but typical, spending money on treatment when prophylactics
could prevent cases and would be much cheaper. I gave him information
concerning water and food, and I intend on doing the same with
other Deni.
Jan tested the radio, under the curious looks of many Deni, always
willing to help, and to laugh and play with us. One of them even
taught me how to dance and sing!
In the end we had a bath in the Xerua river's cold waters. And
there was one more accident, Janine stepped on some fish with
venom on its thorn, but we managed to treat it with potent analgesic.
The opportunity to talk to the Deni about their culture and way
of life is unique. So much information about legends and beliefs,
routine activities and parties, and much more. I want to listen
to as much as I can, because all Deni are going into the jungle
in a few days and I'll stay on the ship. Well, maybe Manuel and
Cees can tell me about the legends and beliefs of the Dutch people...
Márcio
(medic aboard Savio)
Find out about the different
volunteers on the demarcation project.
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