Alerting of the entry of Chagas disease from South America
Cardiologist Iván González Vidal is concerned that the recent increase in immigration from Colombia and Venezuela could have brought with it the Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) that causes severe heart damage. The condition is endemic in South and Central America.
The disease is caused by a parasite, carried by a bug, and it can be transmitted by oral contact, blood transfusions or via food. The condition can result in acute inflammatory skin changes (chagomas) and may eventually cause infection and inflammation of many other body tissues, especially those of the heart and intestinal tract.
Dr. González said that the damage is seen more frequently in young people. Dr. González says he has checked with the blood banks in the country, but none are testing for Chagas yet.
Source: DR1, Listindiario
June 3, 2019
Category: DR News |