Bamako and malaria

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I've been taking it very easy for a few days, in fact I spent several days in bed! The morning after I arrived in Bamako I fell ill, with Malaria. That is despite the prophylaxis I have been taking. Malaria can never be taken lightly - it kills one million children in Africa every year.



I arrived in Bamako on the evening of Tuesday 8th of February. At that point I felt fine. When I got up on the Wednesday morning I didn't feel rested. I also had loose bowel movements and felt nauseous. I went into town to find the banks - they wouldn't accept my travellers cheques and Mali's only ATM didn't like my Visa card. I wasn't desperate for money so I went to an Internet cafe. I had to give up on the blog part way through because I felt ill. My back hurt, my stomach hurt and I had a temperature. So, I returned to my hotel.



Once at my hotel room I threw up in the bathroom. I asked the reception for advice on a doctor. The doctor prescribed anti-malarial drugs different from the ones I have been taking as a prophylaxis. She told me not to move and to come back to her surgery. So, I will have to stay in Bamako for a week. I took the pills and went to bed.



The next day I spent in bed! On the morning of Friday 11th I went into town and finished off the blog I had started on the 9th and then went to the bank. It took me forever to get some money. I went back to the hotel and went back to bed at 1pm. In the evening I treated myself to Tarte au pommes at a cake shop.



Yesterday, Saturday 12th was the first day since falling ill that I managed to eat 3 meals! I walked around the markets in central Bamako and visited the national museum. It has an interesting collection of masks and tapestries. Although I do seem to have recovered I will have to stay in Bamako for a few more days to ensure that I really am recovered. I fully intend to treat myself to the really good cakes and pastries in the shops in this city!

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