Not Quite Strep

Tracy left early this morning for Hephzibah, location of a two-day retreat for the remaining students. She will return tomorrow late.

Mark overcame his sickness from early last week to attend school on Friday. But late last night he complained of a sore throat. Upon further investigation, we noticed white spots, so Tracy took him (and student Kallie who is also sick) to Nyaho Medical Centre.

Wanting a second opinion, it was my turn to visit HealthLink with Mark this morning. Good thing, too. He has the beginnings of a bacterial infection of the throat, the same ailment that sidelined Catherine about a month ago. It is not quite strep but has a similar presentation. Zithromax was prescribed and should provide relief in short order.

The doctor (Faisal) assured me that both Mark’s current and Catherine’s earlier sicknesses were caused by airborne bacteria, ones common in the tropics but not typically found in North America. Their illnesses are part of a natural process whereby immature immune systems become accustomed to new surroundings.

—Matt