I hunt for mosquito

With the semester suspended until further notice and my official Dengue kit (two thermometers and an official ministry of health pen) in hand, I joined the volun-told mass of thousands of medical students from all over Havana in the hunt for mosquitoes this week.  I am unsure of what a normal first day of mosquito-hunting should consist of, but by offerings of fresh pineapple juice and conversation from an old-cat-lady, a Cuban made mocha from a super suave bachelor who just had to get that standard Facebook self-snapped photo of him and two U.S. doctoras, I think I have a better idea.  What is abnormal about having some good laughs as I face 8 hour days/7days per week of walking door-to-door taking temperatures, looking for stagnant water in buckets and plant-holders, and oh yeah…of course reminding Cubans to make sure to change those glasses of water on the altar to Saint Lazaro?  Oh yes, I cannot forget about coming across a little turtle’s home of dirty stagnant water without wanting to disturb his cozy environment, but reminding the owner to change his water regularly…and top it with a net.  Poor little turtle, you are not to blame for the Dengue Fever epidemic.  Prolonged warm weather, extensive rain, gaping stagnant water filled pot-holes on the streets, faulty fumigation, and bad decision making are to blame.  Bright side: I will receive an official diploma accrediting my Dengue hunt, for official course work, and you know I am definitely going to frame it and place it up on a wall where it will await, until 2015, the arrival of my official medical doctorate diploma.