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Chagas Disease

All articles tagged with #chagas disease

health2 days ago•3 min saved

San Diego County Detects First Local Case of Chagas Disease

San Diego County health officials announced the region's first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, found through routine blood donor screening from an asymptomatic donor. Chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and spread by kissing bugs; local transmission is now recognized in parts of the United States. The county began requiring reporting in 2024, and this case marks the first acquired locally in San Diego. Public health guidance emphasizes prevention (protective clothing, insect repellent, indoor sleeping, treated nets) and screening for at-risk groups, including pregnant women, with researchers suggesting the disease may be more common in the U.S. than previously thought.

via USA Today|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bug

science5 days ago•49 min saved

Southern California reports its first locally acquired Chagas disease case linked to kissing bugs

San Diego County has recorded its first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted by kissing bugs (Triatominae). Though the disease is most common in Latin America, these bugs are now found in Southern California, raising concerns about local transmission. Chagas has an acute phase with flu-like symptoms and can progress to a chronic phase years later, leading to heart or digestive complications; treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox is most effective in the acute phase, but chronic infection is hard to cure. Health experts say many infections go undiagnosed, underscoring the need for awareness and testing among residents and clinicians.

via Yahoo|

#chagas-disease #kissing-bug #public-health

health5 days ago•4 min saved

San Diego County Records Its First Locally Transmitted Chagas Case

San Diego County announced its first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, detected in an asymptomatic blood donor during routine screening. The disease is spread by the kissing bug, which typically nests in rodent habitats; local exposure can occur through camping or outdoor activities. Chagas is more common in rural Latin America, but officials emphasize that local transmission is now a possibility. Since 2024, Chagas has been locally reportable, with 22 reports and four confirmed cases prior to this one. Early infection is often mild or flu-like, but untreated disease can cause serious heart or gastrointestinal problems years later. Officials advise preventive measures for travelers to endemic areas and recommend screening for people who have lived in Latin American countries, especially pregnant women.

via NBC 7 San Diego|

#blood-donation-screening #chagas-disease #health

health2 months ago•0 min saved

Springtime kissing bugs heighten risk of deadly heart parasite in Florida

UF researchers warn that Florida’s kissing bugs are most active in late spring and can transmit a parasite associated with chronic, potentially fatal heart disease, as these insects bite sleeping animals and humans, posing a notable health threat.

via The Palm Beach Post|

#chagas-disease #florida #health

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Kissing bugs and the hidden threat of Chagas disease

Kissing bugs in central and northern South America bite at night and can transmit the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite via their feces; this infection causes Chagas disease, which damages the heart and digestive muscles and can be fatal if untreated. The WHO estimates about 8 million people are infected worldwide with around 10,000 deaths annually, a history tied to Darwin’s South American travels.

via BBC Wildlife Magazine|

#chagas-disease #health #heart-damage

health2 months ago•37 min saved

Texas Dog's Death Spurs Awareness of Kissing Bug–Linked Chagas Disease

A Texas dog owner in Austin says her Belgian Malinois Ranger died after infection with the parasite that causes Chagas disease, spread by kissing bugs. Vet experts report rising Chagas cases in Austin and nearby San Antonio, noting that kissing bugs inhabit gardens and woodlands and can transmit the parasite via feces after a bite or when dogs ingest them. Dogs may show lethargy, breathing difficulties, and heart problems, with limited treatment options, underscoring the growing public health concern for both pets and people.

via Yahoo|

#austin #chagas-disease #dogs

health2 months ago•35 min saved

Texas dog owner mourns Belgian Malinois lost to kissing-bug–related Chagas disease

A Texas woman says her Belgian Malinois Ranger collapsed and died after contracting Chagas disease carried by kissing bugs; experts note rising kissing-bug–related Chagas cases in Austin and San Antonio, with dogs getting infected from bites or by ingesting the bugs, potentially causing heart damage. Treatment options for dogs are limited, so prevention through pest control and reducing exposure is emphasized.

via Yahoo News Canada|

#chagas-disease #dogs #health

health9 months ago•2 min saved

Kissing bugs and the persistent threat of disease spread in the US

Kissing bugs, which bite around the mouth and eyes, are spreading in the U.S. and can transmit Chagas disease, a potentially fatal illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease has an acute phase that can be cured with medication if caught early, but it can progress to a chronic stage with no cure, often without symptoms. Kissing bugs are found in rural and suburban areas, hiding in homes, and about half carry the parasite, posing a health risk to humans.

via USA Today|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bugs

health9 months ago•1 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease: Risks, Symptoms, and Its Spread in the US

Kissing bugs are now endemic in the US and can transmit Chagas disease, a parasitic illness. Experts explain how the disease is diagnosed and treated, highlighting the growing public health concern associated with this vector-borne disease.

via CNN|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bug

health9 months ago•3 min saved

Experts warn of the persistent threat of the deadly kissing bug disease in the US

Experts warn that Chagas disease, spread by kissing bugs, is a serious health threat in the US and advocate for declaring it endemic to improve awareness, detection, and treatment, as current efforts are insufficient to control its spread.

via Yahoo|

#awareness #chagas-disease #early-detection

health9 months ago•2 min saved

Kissing Bugs and the Spread of Chagas Disease in the US

Kissing bugs, now found in Ohio, are insects that can carry the parasite causing Chagas disease, which can be severe or fatal if untreated. Most bugs are not infected, and they prefer feeding on animals, but human contact can pose health risks. Recognizable by their cone-shaped heads and dark color with orange or yellow stripes, they are active at night and can live indoors or outdoors. While the risk of infection is low, awareness and prevention are important, especially in areas with high rodent or animal activity.

via Mahoning Matters|

#chagas-disease #health #insect-identification

health9 months ago•5 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease: Persistent Threat and Spread in the US

Chagas disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by kissing bugs, is now considered endemic in the US, with increasing evidence of spread due to climate change and limited surveillance. Experts emphasize the need for greater awareness, improved detection, and control efforts to prevent serious health consequences.

via AOL.com|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bugs

health9 months ago•5 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease Now Endemic in the U.S., Experts Warn

Chagas disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by kissing bugs, is now considered endemic in the US, with increasing evidence of its presence across multiple states. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, awareness, and prevention efforts to address this neglected tropical disease that can cause severe health complications if untreated.

via CNN|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health

health9 months ago•5 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease: Rising Threat in the US

Chagas disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by kissing bugs, is now considered endemic in the US, with increasing spread due to climate change and limited surveillance, posing significant health risks that require greater awareness, testing, and control efforts.

via Yahoo News Canada|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health

health9 months ago•6 min saved

Kissing Bugs Invade Florida Homes, Sucking Blood While We Sleep

Kissing bugs have been found invading homes in Florida, carrying the parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can be life-threatening but is often underreported and asymptomatic. The study highlights the risk of these bugs entering homes to feed on humans and pets, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention measures. While no cases of transmission in the US have been confirmed, the presence of infected bugs suggests a potential health concern, especially in less affluent areas.

via yahoo.com|

#chagas-disease #florida #health