The Enemy

Day 4 Friday Feb 8^th 

In our room before we left for the boat Jo said “They are the enemy” and its true I don’t think it is possible to be anything but in deadly opposition.  They always offend and here in equatorial Africa they are the number one killer.

N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) liberally applied is the only way in certain places at certain times of day that we believe you can safely venture outside.  Praygod said that if you get bitten once you may not get sick but if you get bitten a few times every day then you will get.  “We take the pills and sleep under the nets but you must take care.” He has had it twice.

In the swamps today on our silent way back gliding between the rushes in our canoe we saw a tree full of bright yellow weaver birds busily making their nests.  And looking up, following us, silhouetted against the darkening sky, a cloud of whining, swarming Anopheles.   We are soaked in Deet its bitter taste permeates our pores but you can see the mosquitos; you cant see the Deet.  I got one bite – I think through my shirt.  I hope it is not the one. We have not met anyone local yet who has not had it more than once!

What did people do before Deet (and nets) I asked.  There was no answer but I suppose (and I am pretty sure history would support me here) you got sick and often died.  Still do.