Panama Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

8 years ago

Boquete Water - Kelly Ware

8 years ago

For those who didn’t catch the result of a water study for alto Boquete and Oriana, there are coliform fecal matter in the water. I have heard that there is a new water system on the horizon, however I’m not sure the mayor or citizens know the extent of the dangers of the Boquete water in general. People new to the area need to be very careful not to drink unfiltered water. Boquete is painted as a haven, but with the crime, the parasites, and insane driving, it feels more like a nightmare, (sorry realtors…).
My son has been almost deathly ill for 4+ weeks with giardia, he is 8 yrs old, and has lost more weight and muscle tone than a little boy should ever have to. He is emaciated and has intestinal obstruction because of the parasite that also blocks absorption of iron and others. He has been through Flagyl an antibiotic treatment and now, after visiting the hospital last night, will go through another broad spectrum anti-parasitic. The doctor told me that he sees many children from Boquete with giardia. A whole group of women dining at a local restaurant last year came down with giardia and amebic disentary. Please use filtered water and don’t drink or give your kids water from the Boquete area. Santa Lucia area in Volcancito has very dirty water. Be careful on raw salads too. Some here take an anti parasitic each 6 months just to be cautionary. (the Doc recommends testing often instead).
Please let me know if you or a loved one or friend has suffered with a water born illness here. I am going to talk with the mayor, or the department of health next week and I let them know what is happening amongst the foreigners, and find out what plans and timelines for addressing the situation is. I will inform you of any updates to this information. Other problems in certain residential areas are water shortages in the dry season. Please ask before you rent or buy in these areas and message me if you know what areas have this problem. I have heard Palmira has problems? (arriba or abajo?) Please consider rainwater capturing solutions with filters, purchasing an extra tank for shortage resiliency. Carry your filtered water hydroflasks to restaurants, especially for the young and elderly. If you have a stomach upset, immediately send a stool sample to the lab (up from Romero’s) to find out if it is a parasite! it is only $3. A visit to Dr Gomez is $10. Early detection and treatment of Giardia is essential to avoid potential lifelong consequences. Parasites are nothing to talk lightly as they can damage organs and the brain and cause lifelong damage or death. They are tenacious and hard to get rid of, dietary changes, vitamin and mineral supplementation and herbal and pharmaceutical medicine will all be NECESSARY to treat effectively if possible. my # is 6305-5936 to call with questions or comments, Hablo español tambien. Thank you for your help.
Kelly Ware

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

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