Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter where you are spending this holiday, I hope you are surrounded by good friends and good food. Here in CV, I will feast on imported turkeys and cranberry sauce with other US Embassy staff. (No pumpkin pie, unfortunately, but we WILL have coconut ice-cream!)

This past weekend, I joined a group of people who commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Day (thus the pink shirts in the photo above) by hiking from Praia to Rui Vaz (in the interior of the island). We had a great time. Definitely made me feel thankful for my health and solidarity with others!

As Christmas approaches, I am again reminded of just how far away I am. I will miss the cooler temps, snow-covered pine trees, cross-country ski outings, and family gatherings in Colorado (although SKYPE has certainly helped us stay in touch!).

For anyone who feels inclined to send a holiday card or small care-package (hint! hint!), below is my mailing (pouch) address and “wish list”:

Daniel Lopez
C/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189

· Red licorice
· Peanut M & M’s
· Mints
· Tea
· Parmesan cheese
· Trail mix
· Granola bars
· Photos
· Magazines
· Novels

Much Love,

Daniel

Dengue Fever!!

NEWSFLASH: Schools and government services were cancelled yesterday and a major campaign has been undertaken in Praia to eradicate the risk factors for Dengue (standing water, trash, etc). The air in the city was hazy due to the burning of garbage on almost every street corner. I spent most of the day inside my apartment. Many of my colleagues have gotten sick. A sad day in Island Paradise...

FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS (courtesy of Alexis Kort):

"Dengue fever has been reported for the first time in Cape Verde. The islands of Brava, Fogo, Maio, and Santiago have recorded over 3,000 suspected cases. Laboratory testing on initial samples have confirmed the presence of Dengue serotype 3. Concurrently pandemic flu (H1N1) 2009 has been circulating. Symptoms can be similar to those of dengue.

A team has been sent to investigate further, and measures to control mosquito breeding have been undertaken. The Disease Dengue or "break-bone" fever is a viral disease found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This insect bites during the day and is often found in and around human habitation. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, and joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows these symptoms. The acute illness can last up to ten days, and complete recovery can take two to four weeks.

Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occurs. DHF usually occurs in patients who have previously been infected with one strain of dengue fever, then contract a different strain of the disease. There is no vaccine against dengue fever. Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to prevent the disease."

Halloween Photos

The US Embassy hosted a Halloween party for local children...Here are some photos from the event!