A fatal, little -known parasitic infection, called Chaga’s disease, is once considered to be only a threat abroad, can become endemic in the US, and researchers say they say in a new study.
Chaga’s disease is often referred to as a silent killer because it may remain unnoticed for many years, even for decades, with life -threatening complications. This is caused by a parasite carried by a group of blood sucking insects, commonly known as kisses, bite people around their mouths because of their propensity.
Usually, the disease is revealed in two phases: a direct acute phase and a chronic phase, which often occurs much later. People infected during the acute phase will often have no symptoms. If they do it, they are usually mild and non -specific, such as headache, fever and muscle aches. During the chronic phase, which usually occurs 10 to 30 years after primary infection, parasites can begin to cause significant damage to the heart and gastrointestinal tract. About one third of patients have significant heart problems. According to the World Health Organization, another 10% deal with digestive or neurological problems.
More than 7 million people around the world are estimated to be infected with Chaga, and the disease dies every year 10,000 deaths, says WHO. Most cases are found in Central and South America, where kisses are common. 2016 Researchers estimate that the US had approximately 300,000 people dealing with chronic cases of Chaga, but almost all the disease was ill in another country before they arrived here.
In a document published this month, a group of experts translates the case that we should consider the disease a serious health threat to even those who never leave the country. They determine the eight states (California, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisian, Missur, Mississippi and Arkansas) with approved Caga cases caused by local transmission. They claim that this is a number of reasons to keep the disease endemic – meaning that there is always – the US.
“Recognition of the endemicity of Chaga’s disease in the US is very important in achieving global health goals,” the authors state in the study.
Many states do not follow the cases of Chaga, so the actual number of infections in the country is unknown, but researchers say there are clues that suggest that the disease is much more common than previously thought. Texas State Health Department 2013-2023 Cat in 51 places transmitted by Chaga. The state also watched more than 400 cases of dogs in the same period. Infected dogs were found in 22 other states and Washington, DC
Gabriel Hamer, an entomologist in Texas A&M, said Los Angeles Times said that known Caga cases are likely to reflect “only the tip of the iceberg” about the true spread of the disease.
Kisses of kisses known to spread Chag
What you need to know
Fortunately, Chagas can be cured with antiparasitic drugs if it is caught early. However, the treatment becomes less effective, the longer something has been infected.
“If we checked it and caught it early, most patients could be healed,” said a cardiologist dr. Salvador Hernandez. “The problem is that we do not do it, and people eventually die or require extremely expensive care, including organ transplants and surgery.”
When Chag becomes chronic, it cannot be cured with medication, but the Mayo clinic data can help slow down the start of the most serious complications. In some cases, infected people may need a pacemaker, heart surgery or even heart replacement.
Trypanosoma Cruzi, the cause of Chaga’s disease transmitted by triathomidal errors. (Ed Reschke/Getty Images)
It is important to identify the Chagas in the early stages. Many of the symptoms occur in the acute phase, if they occur at all, are common and easily attributed to typical viruses such as flu or cold. These include fever, fatigue, body aches, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting. However, there is one symptom of a signal panel known as the Romaña sign – the swelling of the eyelid, which sometimes occurs when the parasite enters the body through the eye. Signs of chronic chaga include heart problems and digestive problems.
Dogs are also often asymptomatic in the acute phase, although they will sometimes cause swollen lymph nodes, pale gums and stomach problems. During the chronic phase, dogs can experience heart problems, lethargy and swollen belly.
In their study, researchers point out that classification of Chaga as endemia will greatly improve our ability to “solve this abandoned disease, which, as proven, has never been exclusively tropical.”