 |
|
|
|
|
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 Video Marketing Programs
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
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not speak about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
https://sunhun.com/link.php?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/stake-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
https://www.leroymerlin.com.br/logout?redirect=https://ocrvmotorsports.com/rv-repair-shop-baldwin-park-california
Aw, this was a very nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don't seem to get anything done.
http://bd.jinti.com/Return/go.asp?mail_id=20170911jd&url=https://mostarlive.com/home-4/
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
https://www.bioguiden.se/redirect.aspx?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/medical-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
http://www.etracker.de/lnkcnt.php?et=qPKGYV&url=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/trailer-repair-near-me
https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ side effects for tadalafil prescription tadalafil online tadalafil liquid tadalafil liquid
This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://www.datum.tv/ra.asp?url=http://ocrvcenter.com/5th-wheel-trailer-collision-repair-shop-near-me
generic cialis online fast shipping tadalafil cost in canada where to buy generic cialis online safely where to order tadalafil tablets https://apcalisetadalafil.com/
tadalafil blood pressure cialis tadalafil tadalafil daily online generic cialis online fast shipping https://tadalafilww.com/
Thank You for your information
https://www.bottleshockmovie.com/tips-for-saving-money-on-hvac-repair-service/
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/general/timing-is-essential-for-air-ailment-fix/4826419
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
http://drpetepublishing.com/members/heavenoutput1/activity/429415/
tadalafil brands https://tadalafilol.com/ – tadalafil online with out prescription where to order tadalafil tablets cialis without a prescription canada generic tadalafil
Saved as a favorite, I like your web site!
https://www.joblinkapply.com/Joblink/5972/Account/ChangeLanguage?lang=es-MX&returnUrl=http://ocrvcenter.com/shuttle-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
cyclosporine for humans cyclomune 0.1% eye drops
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can't join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://dancingstudio.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://www.affordableranking.com/
http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&url=http://radiobanadir.com/the-modern-day-lord-of-the-rings-film-shot-in-birmingham/comment-page-26/
/
https://navigator.az/redirect.php?url=https://terrainmuebles.net/index.php/propiedades/item/137-clinica-dentz?start=92510
https://www.p1-uranai.com/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=538&url=https://www.frostingbarcelona.com/dulce-budapest-goamama-coffee/desayuno_goamamacoffee_budapest_frostingbarcelona5/comment-page-4855/
/
https://www.fms.treas.gov/fmsweb/disclaimer.jsp?ciURL=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/dana-point-forklifts
https://cttadalafil.com/ cheap generic cialis for sale https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ – cialis without prescription tadalafil cialis
Cyclomune eye drops 0.05% cyclomune
canada generic tadalafil tadalafil daily online buy cialis pills prescription tadalafil online https://tadacipetadalafil.com/
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
http://sitecheck.elinkdesign.com/redirect.php?url=http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/skytrak-forklift-repair-orange-county-california
combigan generic combigan bottle sizecombigan
https://www.erccorp.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Howdy! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you've got here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
https://www.top-onlinecasinos.pro/out.php?https://www.affordableranking.com
This is a topic which is close to my heart... Best wishes! Where are your contact details though?
http://www.digitalkamera.de/rdr?rdr=http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/forklift-dealer-orange-county-california
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It's always helpful to read content from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
https://eu.eventscloud.com/emarketing/go.php?i=200276927&e=c2ltb24udGhvbWxpbnNvbkBsZWFkZXJzaW5zcG9ydC5jb20=&l=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/contact/
tadalafil without a doctor prescription tadalafil liquid tadalafil buy cialis https://tadalafilww.com/
You made some good points there. I looked on the web for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
http://www.northeastfwb.org/System/Login.asp?id=54595&Referer=http://affordableranking.com
https://tadagatadalafil.com/ buy tadalafil https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – cheap cialis pills for sale generic tadalafil from uk
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my hunt for something regarding this.
http://monarchbeachmembers.play18.com/ViewSwitcher/SwitchView?mobile=False&returnUrl=http://www.affordableranking.com/
You should take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the internet. I am going to highly recommend this site!
https://rentsocal.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://retirementworkshop.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.
https://integratedpulsesystems.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Hello there, I believe your web site could possibly be having web browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent website!
http://mktdomercado.sitesdomercado.com.br/campanhas/redirecionar?url=http://affordableranking.com
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won't disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, however I really thought you would have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
https://www.l-www.sitepal.com/affiliates/entry/?spdirect=1&affId=75895&promotionId=17691&link=https://www.nigerianmedicals.com/court-orders-agf-army-igp-to-produce-who-consultant/
buy avanafil uk avanafil stendra dosage
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
http://zhouyiworld.com/home/link.php?url=guenterreiter.eu/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&limitstart=25380
You are so interesting! I don't believe I've read through anything like that before. So great to find somebody with some unique thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that's needed on the web, someone with some originality!
http://d-click.alterdata.com.br/u/15028/1120/88002/2068_0/6d5c3/?url=http://52.78.224.240/viewtopic.php?t=21934
https://cttadalafil.com/ best price usa tadalafil https://cttadalafil.com/ – generic cialis tadalafil tadalafil side effects
tadalafil liquid generic tadalafil from uk cheap cialis pills for sale tadalafil cost walmart https://cttadalafil.com/
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.
/
Having read this I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
http://sc.hkeaa.edu.hk/TuniS/ocrvcenter.biz/conventional-trailer-collision-repair-paint-shop-near-me-orange-county
Howdy! This article couldn’t be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this article to him. Fairly certain he'll have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!
https://trends.gab.com/visit?url=https://ocrv.me/rv-repair-shop-warner-center-california
http://ljc.jieju.cn/agent/rdandstat.aspx?url=https://ocrvcenter.mobi/rv-repair-shop-manhattan-beach-california
tadalafil brands cheapest tadalafil cost canada generic tadalafil https://tadalafilww.com/