"A parasitic disease endemic to Latin America has now been confirmed in California, according to state health officials, and experts are worried it could come to the Bay Area soon. Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that is typically spread via the triatomine bug, also known as the kissing bug. The infection spreads when an insect that contains the parasite feeds on a host and their feces gets into the bite site."
"The disease affects more than 7 million people worldwide and causes over 10,000 deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization. Early or "acute" Chagas can first appear with swelling around the eye, fever or rashes, but the long-term risks are more serious, Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, explained to SFGATE. "Chronic Chagas can be dangerous," Gandhi noted."
Chagas disease has been confirmed in California and poses a risk of spreading to the Bay Area. The disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is typically transmitted by triatomine (kissing) bugs when insect feces enter a feeding site. The World Health Organization estimates more than 7 million infected worldwide and over 10,000 deaths yearly. Acute infection can cause swelling around the eye, fever, or rashes. Chronic infection can cause cardiac fibrosis that disrupts the heart's electrical system, congestive heart failure, and enlargement of the esophagus leading to swallowing difficulties. Native triatomine bugs occur across much of California and often nest with wood rats.
Read at SFGATE
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