surviving in the tropics

[Abramo Ottolenghi]

A young Peace Corps volunteer I have known for many years is home on leave 
from her art teaching assignment in a remote area of Ghana.  Altough she 
describes taking all the appropriate precautions to protect herself as far as 
food and water are concerned, she has had multiple bouts of intestinal 
parasite infestations and several febrile illnesses.  On reviewing her 
procedures a POSSIBLE flaw appears in her washing dishes and flatware in 
unboiled water with soap (not detergent).  Is this a CREDIBLE flaw?  Comments 
and discussion will be welcome.  Thanks   A. Ottolenghi  
(aottolen at magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)