On June 1, Rachel reported having had what appeared to be typical malarial symptoms (high fever, chills, general malaise) and also cold symptoms for several days. After confering by phone with the Peace Corps doctors in the capital she took Coartem, one of the drugs supplied by the Peace Corps to treat malaria. She was much improved though still weak for about 24 hours, then relapsed into her previous miserable state for about three days more days. At that point the Peace Corps doctors said that she probably had had chikungunya.

As the fever and chills receded, Rachel experienced “swelling and bruising” in her ankles and considerable pain in knees, wrists, and elbows, as well as aching in lower back and extreme fatigue. She says she “felt like she was about 80 years old and had arthritis”. (Teresa found on the web that the name of the viral disease is taken from a Swahili word meaning “walks stooped over like an old man”. Having it confers lasting immunity, apparently, which is good news. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes.)

About 8 days later Rachel’s joint pains were better but still noticeable. She was able to ride her bike back to her village on June 9th. On June 12, Rachel said that she feels almost well again, though still fatigued and a bit “family-sick” though not homesick per se. She is still thrilled to be where she is doing what she is doing!