Pop Rocks and 7-up

Due to a number of concerned emails and a frantic phone call from Hannah, I thought it would be good to let the family know that yes, I have malaria, but I am just fine. In fact, I'm on my last day of treatment and feeling delightful! So what happened is I had a bit of a fever Sunday night, and then on Monday I tested positive for plasmodium falciparum. But fear not! I started treatment immediately (for the medically curious, I'm taking coartem) and am 100% a-ok. I think I probably had a mild case because I'm taking malaria prophylaxis, and I'm a generally healthy 25 year old. Now, if I was really young or really old, or my body couldn't fight off infections well, then I probably would have been sicker.

Getting malaria in Africa is kind of like getting the flu in America. It's pretty common and most people handle it just fine.

And in fact, I think I really came out a winner in this situation because since I was the first person to get malaria, Amy has to buy me ice cream. Amers, I'd like rainbow sprinkles too. Also I get to play the "I have malaria" card. Unfortunately this doesn't really matter when you're living by yourself in Africa. But if I was in the USA, you bet I'd be milking it for all it's worth.

So basically I'd be more concerned if I had eaten pop rocks and drank a can of 7-up...because everyone knows that makes your stomach explode.