Chagas' disease cannot be easily transmitted, but when a human or an animal catches it can be fatal. Studies show that 1,700 bites are needed from its vector, Triatomine or kissing bugs, for a successful transmission to take place.
While the transfer rate from the host to the potential victim is very rare, its prevalence rate has already exceeded 40 percent of the Latin America's population, according to The Disease Daily. What's alarming is the infection is already spreading in the United States.
World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately six to seven million people were already infected with Chagas' disease. Left untreated, this illness can cause someone's life.
Awareness is the key in fighting any medical condition. So here are five facts that you should know about the kissing bug disease.
1. New carriers are guinea pigs.
Recent studies reveal that Guinea pigs can act as reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi, the culprit of Chagas' disease. More than 80 percent of kissing bugs taken from two guinea pig pens in Arequipa, Peru were infected by T. cruzi, Science Mag learned.
2. The transmission is through direct contact with insect vector's feces or urine.
Chagas' vector, the kissing bug, feeds off the blood of human and animals. After piercing their host, they will defecate nearby - leaving a chance for the parasites in their feces to enter the victim's body.
3. The victim can be asymptomatic.
Chagas' disease occurs in two phases — acute and chronic. Acute phase occurs immediately after the infection, with symptoms such as fever, headache, pallor, muscle pain, and can last up to two months.
Chronic indeterminate phase happens as the disease develops, where the parasites hide in heart and digestive muscles. Some infected individuals may go asymptomatic for life, but others develop cardiac, digestive and neurological disorders.
In cases of animal infection — in dogs for example — it is very important for the owner to contact the veterinarian right away. If a female dog is infected, she should not be used for breeding as she may transmit the disease via placenta, Examiner Enterprise reported.
4. There is no vaccine.
Benznidazole and nifurtimox can immediately kill the parasite, and they are 100% effective if given soon after the infection occurs. However, the longer an individual is infected, the lesser they become effecient.
5. Prevention via insect control.
It includes spraying the area with residual insecticides, use of bed nets, proper hygiene practices. Screening of blood donors is also important to avoid infection transmission via transfusion and transplantation.
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