For those living in El Quebrachal, their only water source is this "river" which runs through the village. It is used for bathing, livestock, washing clothes, and drinking. It is 98% contaminated and most people must take medication for intestinal worms 3 times a year or more. Children are sent to the river on donkeys to collect the water in plastic jugs and take it back to the house where it is kept in a large barrel.
The water is not treated and usually attracts mosquitoes. The mosquitoes can cause additional problems since they carry malaria and dengue fever.
The same is also true for Tocoa Colon. While we were visiting my husband and his family, myself and our son became ill the doctor told us it was from the water and that it would take a year or longer to adjust to the water. We wish you the best and you will be in our thoughts/prayers for your missionary work in Honduras.
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