I’m a woman from Mexico, a US citizen and a sex worker. I’ve been infected with a Coronavirus called NAVAV. Some of my clients (mostly men) have been hospitalized with NAVAV-related illness. And now I’m at risk of having the virus, too. Can you please tell me what tests are available in Mexico, where I was infected? They just feel strange. I tried to get testing in the US, but the VA (Veteran’s Administration) refused to process my claim because of my immigration status. Can you help me get into the U.S.? – J., Chihuahua, Mexico
Dear J.,
In the United States, you can have genetic testing at your nearest NIH (National Institutes of Health) laboratory. You will have to pay between $30-$150 for this testing. But, you can find the same sample testing for Mexican folk medicine (Córdoba) and the CASA (Covenías Aquí y Atención). Perhaps you could consult an antiviral expert to talk about coronavirus?
Please consider this diagnosis later. Tompkins County has an Environmental Health Laboratory. They test all, including swine, poultry, egg, dairy, and fish. You can call (607) 554-7300 or 845-805-2281 to get the laboratory number.
Are there any good resources that don’t charge? We have received a few messages from you about these things, so we suggest that you contact us at Open Doors NW for a list of non-profit organizations that don’t charge or to which you can donate. But please beware these are not a recommended list. This is not a disease they have examined or tested for, so that means that their lab might not have any of the tests you require.
I’m sorry about your situation. This question may require a great deal of expertise. Please call Open Doors NW at 906-688-1211 or write to us at Open Doors NW, 1707 Sweeney St., Amherst, NY 13604. If you can contact an infectious disease specialist, we’d also like to hear from you for this advisory.
