I.

I am scared for my babies.  There is an outbreak of spotted fever about, and this fever is causing widespread panic (and death) within the confines of our city.

Already, since this started several weeks ago, over 1,000 infants and children have sickened with the symptoms, and bright red spots have erupted all over their feverish bodies, adding to their misery.  As their fevers rise, they develop spasms and other equally frightening symptoms.  Some have gotten so bad they have become delirious or have died.

My neighbors have lost two sons to this outbreak of spotted fever (also known as measles); I am worried that my three small children may fall ill next because just a few days ago, our oldest son, Hector, was playing with the neighbor's children, just as they came down with the puzzling symptoms.

Right now, Maria, Consuela, and Albertino have been acting like their normal, happy selves:  they run around, laughing, playing, making much noise.  I have been watching them like a  hawk, watching for the least little sniffle or spot appearing on their bodies.  So far, nothing.  I am most grateful to El Dio; He has been keeping my children safe.

II.

In the course of just a few days, over 1,000 infants and children have died as a result of this "spotted fever" outbreak.  The doctores and medical people, they say they have a real epidemic on their hands:  that means the "spotted fever" has spread from person to person; people are becoming terrified of getting sick because they could be next, or their children could get it, and possibly die.

So far, no symptoms in Maria, Consuela, or little Albertino:  they remain healthy and happy.  I pray to El Dio, pray to Him to send His angels to protect them and to keep them safe and healthy.

Alas, my neighbor, mi amiga Guadalupe, has lost her two month old son, Carlos Milam, to this spotted fever:  one day he was happy, healthy; then the spots appeared after he developed fever; this "fever" then rose higher and higher, causing him to go unconscious, and then he died just hours later.  It happened that quick.  It is a very sad time; I loved litle Carlos:  he was so full of life, and now, all of a sudden, it's gone.  He had barely begun to live, and already, the angels have taken him home.

III.

The numbers continue to rise.  Child after child, Baby after baby continue to fall ill.  It seems to be hitting the native Mexican tribes (Aztec, Inca, etc.) especially hard.  That scares me because we are Mexican-Indian; we have no ways to protect ourselves, except, perhaps, to consult our healers or medicine men, to help alleviate symptoms if we become ill, or we rely on natural herbs or remedies that have seemed to help us for thousands of years before. 

Later:

I am scared now, more than ever:  Albertino has come down with the sniffles, and he is coughing.  He is also acting like his throat is sore, plus his eyes are watering.  I pray it isn't the beginnings of this spotted fever!  He is really miserable!  I will have to get our healer to come look at him, to see if he can give him any special medicines or herbs, to ease his discomfort and malaise.

Next day:

My worst fears have come true .  Albertino has developed the spotted fever.  He has a rash all over his small body, and his fever continues to climb.  He does nothing but lie in his bed and cry, cry, cry!  The sounds of his anguish tears at my heart; there isn't much that I, as his mother, can do to ease his suffering. 

The medicine man has come twice, chanting and praying over my son, but nothing seems to help.  Albertino continues to burn with fever, and he's since started having a rattling sound in his throat as he breathes.  I fear the end must be near for him!  As for mi ninas, they stand by me like scared little birds, unsure as to what is going to happen to their little brother.  I feel so bad for them, but I feel terrible for Albertino:  he is so little, yet he suffers greatly!

IV.

Ai yi yi, El Dio must be mad at us:  He took my son away!  Our little boy, our precious angel, Albertino, is now an angel himself; he died this morning; I am beset with grief.  It is all I can do to keep from crying, yelling, or pulling my hair out as I write these words!

Why, oh, why did El Dio have to take my only son??  What did he ever do to deserve to die like this??  Is He punishing me because of sins that were not dealt with? 

Turns out that the fever has killed even more children; it's even started killing adults who have become exposed to it.  All those who died have been native people; non-native people have seemed to build up a resistance to this fever, or else they can afford to get help whereas most of us natives cannot.  We have to rely on traditional medicines or medicine men or healers to treat our symptoms whenever we become sick or infirm (disabled).

At least half of our native population have died; it's as if this fever has a mission:  to kill as many people as possible, without any sign of let up.  It is a terrifying time in our city; people are afraid to have contact with one another or leave their homess, for fear that they might sicken with the spotted fever next.

*to be continued.*