I asked one of the mothers why her daughter has been gone all week. She said she had a fever for 10 days. She took her to the doctor who told her it was nothing, but sold her some pills. Then, she mentioned there were dots on her skin. I asked if they were itchy, and she said yes. I exclaimed, "She has chicken pox." I explained the illness and that she needs proper medication to cure it, and she should not let her scratch the pox. But I also reassured her that it is good she got it now as a child since it's much worse if you get it as an adult. When I told her that American parents sometimes purposely expose their children to chicken pox, she laughed.
The next day, I checked all the 1st and 2nd graders and discovered her best friend had it too. I told her in Khmer that she was sick and needs to stay at home. Luckily, she did.
I informed the other teachers about the outbreak since there may be more cases soon. They didn't know anything about chicken pox, and I explained how contagious it is and how it is an airborne disease that can be transferred by coughing, sneezing, or even touching. Wow. Just when I think I've seen it all, I am continually reminded that the information age has not yet reached this country.
Well, actually information age has reached a small portion of Cambodia; it's isn't called the internet; it is called 'Kerri'!!!
ReplyDeleteOops, should say , it not it's!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess we can call it the "Kerri Age." You would laugh if you knew all the random stuff I teach. My 7th graders can sing songs by The Doors. My 1st graders know the word, boob. My 2nd graders all know how to raise their cup of soda and say, "Cheers!" Obviously, these should be an integral part of any curriculum.
ReplyDelete