By now many of you already know that Vado Diomande, from The Ivory Coast, West Africa, a beloved member of the African drum and dance community and director, choreographer and performer of New York based Kotchegna Dance Company has made national and international news. He fell ill after performing in a concert in Mansfield, Pennsylvania., on Feb 16, 2006.

It is believed he inadvertently contracted inhalation anthrax (Bacillus Anthracis.) as an occupational
hazard from unprocessed goatskins he used to make drums. According The New York Times "No cases of inhalation anthrax in the US have ever been associated with animal hide drums," the agency said. Diomande's exposure occurred when he was making and finishing drums made from untanned animal hides, and was not associated with playing finished drums. His exposure was similar to that experienced during industrial handling of hides."

Bacillus Antracis is not transferable directly from person to person. No one else who was in close contact with Vado has tested positive for the spores, although as a protective measure 7 have been given antibiotics. Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City has said, there is no continued health risk to the city and the appearance of the Bacillus Antracis s not an act of terrorism. He continued by stating, "I want to stress again and again and again: There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that this is anything other than a tragic accident."

As of now, Vado Diomande, continues to amaze everyone with his strength and tenacity as he continues his efforts to endure and recover in the Sayre Pennsylvania, Intensive Care Unit.

For information on Kotchegna Dance Company and updates from the family please visit
Website: http://kotchegna.com/

Read the article: “Artist known as dynamo” featured in The New York Daily News

AUDIO CLIP: Listen to the artist at work

COMMUNITY ACTION

ORGANIZE:  a dance and drum circle to give Vado strength.

CONTACT:  Email best wishes to the Diomande family and to volunteer to help please write to:
vado@kclaudene.com

DONATE: Loving friends of Vado Diomande have set up a recovery donation fund. If you’d like to
contribute please send a check or money order payable to:

Diomande Trust c/o ICU Robert Packer Hospital
1 Guthrie Square
Sayre, PA 18840

EDUCATE YOURSELF

For detailed information on Bacillus Anthracis and what you can to do help protect yourself, particularly
if you work with unprocessed skins, please see the following links.
http://www.kotchegna.com/message.htm

See the article "Anthrax Case Tests Public Health Preparedness" by Fred Mogul
http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/57565

The African Music Encyclopedia, has also published this information as a public service:
http://africanmusic.org/anthrax_info.html

contributed by concerned friends of Vado Diomande