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Showing posts with label Health - Outbreaks - Chagas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health - Outbreaks - Chagas. Show all posts

Monday, November 10, 2014

CHAGAS DISEASE IN THE USA - The new AIDS, also called the "kissing disease" - Over 300,000 Americans have it, but may not know it. They probably caught it in Mexico or South America.

  • Over 300,000 Americans have already been infected with the potentially fatal 'kissing bug disease' called Chagas
  • Chagas is being called the new AIDS because of its asymptomatic beginnings that can turn to a fatal end if the disease progresses
  • Many doctors aren't aware of the prevalence of Chagas and aren't testing people for the disease
  • It causes heart failure and other deadly complications that by the time they are realized cannot be helped with medicine.
  • The CDC believes most of the people infected with Chagas got the parasite in Mexico or South America before coming to the U.S.

  • Kissing bug: Chagas is caused by a parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which is spread through the feces of kissing bugs(pictured) and is making its way into the U.S.
      Trypanosoma cruzi - kissing bug
    Over 300,000 Americans have already been infected with the potentially fatal 'kissing bug disease' called Chagas but U.S. healthcare workers lack of knowledge about the illness is letting many cases of the parasite unnoticed. Some doctors are calling it the 'new AIDS' because of the way it develops.
     
    Researchers who gathered on Tuesday at the annual American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in New Orleans said that if caught early the disease can be cured however sometimes the disease can be asymptomatic and there is a dearth in medication for the condition.