 |
|
|
The
Spread of Chagas' Disease
In Bolivia,
it is estimated that one in five people (1.5 million)
are infected with Chagas' disease. Additionally, some
17 million people across the rest of Latin America suffer
from Chagas' disease as well (see below).
T. cruzi is carried through contamination, blood
transfusions, and congenital infection. T. infestans,
the insect that is chiefly responsible for the transmission,
finds run-down crowded housing a very suitable place
to live. Vinchucas follow migrants and animals
to more densely populated cities.
At present,
chronic chagas cannot be cured and so the prudent strategy
is to prevent the spread of the disease by eliminating
the transmitting bug. This can be done by insecticides,
improving houses, and housing hygiene.
|
Other
ways T. cruzi is transmitted
Many mothers
in Bolivia are infected with T. cruzi and can
transmit this disease to babies through the placenta.
Other South American countries are also affected but
do not have the resources to treat the chagasic newborn.
European,
Asian, and African countries are affected through the
travel of T. cruzi in blood transfusions and
organ transplants. The transmission of T. cruzi
is no longer limited to Latin America, it has become
a worldwide problem. The silent traveler has arrived
on distant shores.
|
|
|
|
