 |
|
|
|
|
June 16th, 2008
03:31 PM ET
Cameroon's diseased children
In a small town called Akonolinga, about an hour outside Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, a strange disease is going around that primarily affects children. It starts as an ulcer on the skin that quickly spreads. Untreated, it can start to affect the bones and eventually even get into the bloodstream. If it gets to that point, there is little that can be done, and the child will often succumb to the disease. They try everything in this small village town to not let it get to that bad. They scrape away the skin, cutting out the diseased areas. They give injections of various medicines, and they keep people in hospitals for months. I met a young boy named Naturale, who had to have his left arm amputated at the shoulder. I almost cried when I met him. By the time he came into see a doctor, the disease was too far gone, his bones literally crumbling. As I visited the clinic, I learned the name of the disease: Buruli. I also learned something that stunned me — what many in this town believe is the origin of Buruli: Witchcraft. It goes like this — as a punishment for taking something or some other trivial thing, these children had been cursed by witches and sorcerers living in the nearby areas. Take someone else’s mango for example, and soon after the child will get an ulcer. In Naturale’s case, he was born out of wedlock, and the witches in the area thought it would be better if he were dead. I was told they cursed him with a particularly severe infection, and he barely survived. Now he stays at the hospital trying to shield himself. Now, if you think what you are reading is too far-fetched, you may be interested to know I sat down with Ph.D-level medical anthropologist, Karen Saylors, who explained all of this to me. Along with researchers associated with Johns Hopkins, she is studying Buruli. Buruli ulcers have been reported in more than 30 countries, according to the World Health Organization. With the increasing geographical spread since 1980, WHO is working to improve surveillance and develop better tools to control the disease. Karen introduced me to traditional healers who knew all about placing a hex on someone and even how to cure the disease with herbs and a piece of bark. While Karen and her colleagues don’t really buy into the idea of witchcraft, they also recognize what a widespread belief it really is here. Instead, Karen has busied herself studying the possibility that Buruli may be spread from animal to human. As it has many similarities to a staph infection, which can cause flesh to be ulcerated and seemlingly “eaten,”, the doctors are using powerful antibiotics with good success. Karen has even studied the particular traditional medicine herbs, which are often effective. What she found was that particular plant had some of the same ingredients found in streptomycin, an antibiotic. As a doctor, it was amazing to see how this disease has been deciphered. It was also a fascinating glimpse into the connection between animals, plants and humans. Not only is the Buruli-causing pathogen most likely from an animal, but the medication used to treat it is from a local plant. And, if we look deep enough, we find this is in fact the case with many diseases. Today, I will be in the wilderness of DRC, specifically a village called Lodja. We will be visiting a monkeypox surveillance clinic. I promise to report back on how the locals here are working to contain the virus so it doesn’t spread around the world. I can’t help be struck by the fact that we are in the middle of a very strong interface between man and animal. It has been here for millions of years, but it is only now that we are starting to understand its awesome culture, power and possible danger. revised 6/19/2008 Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation. soundoff (891 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next »Leave a Reply to combigan
Next entry »Which comes first? Depression or diabetes?
« Previous entrySurviving the bush in Cameroon
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
By Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
https://router.usconcealedcarry.com/auth/invalidate?redirectTo=http://wholesalenearme.com
https://www.cs.odu.edu/~mln/teaching/cs595-f14/?method=display&redirect=https://www.fleetrepairshops.com/
https://viastyle.org/redirect.php?url=http://www.sprintervanrepairnearme.com
After going over a handful of the articles on your blog, I seriously like your way of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website as well and let me know how you feel.
http://carewebqi.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrv.tv/
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet. I'm going to recommend this web site!
https://go.20script.ir/index.php?url=https://ocrvart.com/rv-repair-shop-la-puente-california
http://standingrocktourism.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.wholesalenearme.com
This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thanks!
http://www.vanpeople.com/space/link.php?url=http://www.sprintervanrepairshop.com/
http://designerdogs.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=sprinterrepairnearme.com/
http://www.anonymz.com/?http://ocrv.vip/
Thank You for your information. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7303871615475803397
Very interesting,good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3749495615142933531
I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15320961285137417484
Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8864615230667558347
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17978662104161179375
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
http://qchome.us/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.sprintervanrepair.com
https://worldlunghealth2020.theunion.org/index/out/?type=sponsor&url=https://ocrvluxurycoaches.com/rv-repair-shop-twentynine-palms-california
Iím impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog thatís both equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.
http://karlcraft.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ppcpostfalls.com
Good article. I will be facing many of these issues as well..
http://xgv.rjmetro.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetservicesocrv.com/
http://www.radiospeak.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.co
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.medidatas.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=sprinterrepairnearme.com/
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you postÖ
https://cartridges.planetark.org/r/ocrv.me/rv-repair-shop-fountain-valley-california
http://210.60.107.227/phpinfo.php?a%5B%5D=how+to+find+video+game+tester+jobs+(<a+href=http://bestservicenearme.com/
https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/bin/CountClicks.php?id=MysticAccess_m&url=https://fleetservicerepairshop.com/
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
http://sogo.i2i.jp/link_go.php?url=http://ocrv.world/rv-repair-shop-norco-california
https://brivium.com/proxy.php?link=https://ocrv.info/rv-slide-out-repair-near-me
That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very precise informationÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
&PageName=login.asp
https://click.alamode.com/?adcode=CPEMAQM0913_1&url=http://socallandscapers.com/hello-world/
bookmarked!!, I really like your site!
https://www.worldarchitecture.org/community/links/?waurl=https://ocrvmotorsports.com/rv-generator-repair-near-me
Thank you for this post. Good luck. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.generation-madiran.com/tension-washing-providers-greatest-way-to-revamp-your-dwelling/
http://georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu/exit.aspx?url=http://ricardorsple.ttblogs.com/4282536/rv-service-center-near-me-things-to-know-before-you-buy
I'm pretty pleased to uncover this great site. I wanted to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely loved every part of it and I have you book-marked to look at new things on your blog.
http://s5.histats.com/stats/r.php?1484558&100&34851&urlr=&clubinsanitybangkok.com/en/component/k2/item/1-live-at-the?start=801470
Iím amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog thatís both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I found this during my search for something concerning this.
https://www.sunzu.com/link/?url=http://ocrvandtrucks.com/rv-repair-shop-la-tuna-canyon-california
http://www.boardfactory.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=developingprospects.com/
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who had been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this issue here on your web page.
https://felixt13x1.ssnblog.com/4119912/the-smart-trick-of-optometrist-that-nobody-is-discussing
This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Thanks!
https://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&url=https://gunnera36f5.life3dblog.com/4365651/worth-of-appointed-day-successful-day-in-restructuring
http://images.google.be/url?q=http://trevoru14b3.luwebs.com/4964212/fascination-about-digital-marketing-agencies-near-me
https://www.onionring.jp/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=281&url=https://www.searchinteraction.com
You are so interesting! I don't think I have read through something like this before. So good to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
https://kameroni69l7.boyblogguide.com/4027817/the-smart-trick-of-metal-roofing-for-sale-near-me-that-nobody-is-discussing
Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
https://cinecrowd.com/en/node/1637?page=7#comment-416832
nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful
https://www.posts123.com/post/2135860/incorporate-on-products-and-services-skilled-force-washing-products-and-services
I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
https://bit.ly/3fz3QOx+
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this site.
I love reading through an article that will make people think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
https://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&url=https://trentonm81p9.total-blog.com/the-5-second-trick-for-rv-body-shop-25776660
thanks for sharing!
https://www.katszone.com/board/board_topic/8054335/4319671.htm?page=3
I was very happy to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and I have you book marked to see new information on your website.
https://dotnet40.logicmelon.com/SimpleProxy.ashx?url=https://www.tuopanjiupin.com/comment/html/index.php?page=1&id=465
Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work
https://blogfreely.net/lambrobb6/ideas-for-deciding-upon-the-force-washing-solutions
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://bit.ly/34yp1Ki+
After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
https://stephens52m2.blogars.com/4021821/sprinter-van-repair-shop-no-further-a-mystery
Thank You for your information
https://beeah-uae.com/how-to-get-payday-loans-on-the-web-get-a-loan-proper-now/
Itís hard to come by experienced people on this subject, but you sound like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
https://alexism94c5.verybigblog.com/4066579/examine-this-report-on-social-media-marketing-firms