In August 2013, I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to the country of Panama where I conducted historical research on infectious diseases at the Panama Canal. In it’s own right, the Panama Canal is truly an amazing engineering marvel and “must-see” adventure for everyone. Nonetheless, in my work as a college professor teaching students about preventative health and life-long wellness strategies, I was intrigued by the stories of men who become ill from infectious diseases while working to support their families constructing the canal.
According to historical accounts, by the year 1906, 80% of the canal workers had been hospitalized from infectious diseases affecting approximately 21,000 of the 26,000 workers. One of the reasons for these high morbidity rates was in part because physicians disagreed about the best ways to prevent the spread of yellow fever and malaria; the primary two diseases that caused illness. Sadly, many of the treatments provided at the time such as whiskey, eggnog, and mustard baths applied to the skin provided only minor relief.
Today, Panama is facing another disease epidemic — this time an concentrated and increasing HIV infection rate. Some recent publications suggest that medications appropriated for children with HIV/AIDS has not been reaching those in need. Given the country’s small population, Panama has one of the highest rates of HIV in Central America with more people dying there than in other Central American countries.
Shown below are a few photos from my study.
