Smileband health topics

Article by  idaz medical, 

chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors found only in the Americas. Transmission commonly occurs in rural areas in Mexico, Central America and South America, and rarely in some southern US states.

The acute phase of the infection lasts 2-3 months and is followed by the chronic phase that without successful antiparasitic will be lifelong. Approximately 20-30% of individuals with chronic T. cruzi infections will develop clinical disease.

All cases that have been reported in Arizona were considered to be travel-associated.

Arizona 5 year median: 1 case

Transmission

Transmission of the parasite Typanosoma cruzi is generally from the feces of an infected triatomine bugs (kissing bugs). Transmission can also occur from mother to child, through blood transfusions or organ transplantation, consumption of uncooked food contaminated with feces from an infected bug or accidental laboratory exposure. Incubation period is 5-14 days after bite from infected triatomine bug. Isolation Precautions

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients
Reduce contact with the triatomine bugs by improving housing conditions and spraying insecticide.

Public Health Actions
Patients should be advised to not donate blood.

Information about symptoms, exposure to kissing bugs, and travel history are important to help find out how the individual might have been exposed.

Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

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