Chagas disease, a potentially deadly condition caused by a parasite carried by insects members of the Triatominae Family
Chagas disease, a potentially deadly condition caused by a parasite carried by insects of the Triatominae family (popularly known as the Kissing Bugs) is now endemic in the United States.
The dark blue states depicted are at the highest risk although cases are also being reported in the lighter blue states.
I don’t know about you, but if RFK, Jr can so mismanage an outbreak of measles (a disease that we’ve had a safe, effective, and widely available vaccine for since 1963) I just can’t wait until he screws this up!
You can always count on tRUMP, MAGA, and especially RFK, Jr incompetence!
Chagas’ disease is more prominent in Latin America (at least it was until recently) and is contracted when the the feces of the infected insect contaminates their bite. The parasites gain entry into the victim.
Less common routes of transmission include: maternal-fetal infection in utero, blood transfusions, and transplant surgeries. Transmission from ingesting food contaminated with the insect’s feces has been reported.
Acute phase symptoms may include fever, body aches, and a rash, though many people are asymptomatic for years. Treatment involves antiparasitic drugs, though their effectiveness decreases in later stages.
The chronic phase symptoms can affect 20–30% of infected people and may be very serious: affecting the heart or digestive system, including:
Heart issues: Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), congestive heart failure, altered heart rate or arrhythmia, or sudden death.
Digestive problems: esophomegaly (an enlarged esophagus), megacolon leading to difficulty eating or having bowel movements.
Treatment of acute phase symptoms includes antiparasitic medications such as Benznidazole and nifurtimox and these may help slow disease progression in the chronic phase. Serious complications may require medical devices like pacemakers, dietary changes, or, in severe cases, surgery or a heart transplant.
Strong prevention measures are very important!
But how will RFK, Jr address this? I have no idea. But I know this: He’ll continue with his “science be damned!” approach and the results will be suboptimal.
