A couple weeks ago I received a call toward the end of the day to come to a meeting. At that meeting we were informed that there had been a confirmed case of cholera at the Kijabe Hospital.
Cholera: is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 10 (5-10%) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.
This one case required that we respond immediately to protect our students, staff, and the surrounding community. Already, many were experiencing mild symptoms similar to cholera. Within our own family, Tiana, Sophia, and I had several days of varying degrees of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea – Tiana being the most severe.
After gathering the community together for information and prayer, communication was immediately sent out: We have a confirmed case of cholera within our community as well as additional suspected cases which meet clinical criteria. Our response team has met and are liaising with Government and local healthcare authorities. All steps are being taken to prevent further spread of this disease and to provide support for those affected. Please commit the situation to God in prayer.
Suffice it to say it was a busy week, especially for Lilli and the other nurses in Student Health. They evaluated and cared for a few hundred of our students and staff. We also had to make sure our national staff were informed and took appropriate precautions. By the middle of last week the number of new cases coming to Student Health dramatically decreased – and there still had been no other confirmed cases of cholera.
We have seen many demonstrations of God’s faithfulness to us over the last couple of weeks. It’s been amazing to watch the community come together and to help out where needed and to care for one another. Classes for sick staff needed to be covered, many more meals needed to be delivered to Student Health, water sources needed to be tested, and health officials and the local community needed to be communicated with. We are reminded in times like this that even with all our medical advances, we are still dependent on the One who made us – our Savior and Great Physician. I am so grateful for God’s sustaining grace for Lilli over the last couple weeks, how He kept her from sickness despite working long hours night and day, and gave her such a good and gracious attitude with her patients.
On another note, we were so excited to welcome our daughter, Hannah and Jonathan’s mother and sister last Wednesday night. They will be visiting here at RVA until the end of June, helping out at the elementary school and the hospital. Pray that their time here would be fruitful!
Grandma Sue, Hannah, & Auntie ChristineHannah with Joshua after he performed at the RVA Talent Show
