Chagas Disease
Posted by Avatar
Chagas or American trypanosomiasis is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi which is transmitted through contaminated feces of the triatomine bug or kissing bug, which feeds on the blood of both humans and animals. The disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, central and South America where more than 11 million are estimated to be infected. The bug thrives in rural housing such as those which have mud walls and thatched roofs. Problems of the disease can range from cardiac to gastrointestinal problems, treatment of which is only available in the US through the CDC. The disease can also cause swelling in the brain or the membrane around the brain and there is immediate swelling in the point of injection. The parasite thrives in the host’s blood and is transmitted through all bodily fluids.