A Bite From This Insect Can Lead To Heart Disease

Aug 31, 2018 by apost team

A shocking parasitic disease can actually cause a stroke or heart failure. While medical practitioners originally thought that this parasite was rare, it turns out that more than 300,000 people may have been infected with it. 

A little insect called the kissing bug is the cause of this problem. While the name makes the insect sound cute, the bug's bite can cause Chagas disease. In Central and South America, there are 8 million people who have been infected. Unfortunately, the disease is spreading to the United States as well. It can already be found in Texas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The disease has also been diagnosed in Switzerland, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Italy and the United Kingdom. 

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This infectious disease is due to a type of parasite that is named Trypanosoma cruzi. The small parasite is carried along by the Triatomine bug's feces. This insect developed the name of the kissing bug because it likes to bite people around the eyes and mouth. Most of these bites occur at night while the individual is sleeping. The dangerous parasite then works its way into the bloodstream through a bite, scratch or rub. 

These cases typically spread through insect bites, but there are other mechanisms that can spread the disease. It can spread through an organ transplant, laboratory exposure or from a pregnant mother to her infant. The disease can also spread if someone eats uncooked food that has been contaminated through the bug's feces.

Chagas disease cannot spread through normal human or animal contact. 

While some people may not develop any symptoms, the initial symptoms tend to include body aches, rashes, a fever, headaches and fatigue. Localized swelling may occur at the site of the bite. These symptoms typically disappear after several days or weeks. In rare cases, a young child may develop a severe inflammation around the brain or heart muscle. 

After the initial phase, patients enter the chronic phase of the disease. This occurs in about 30 percent of patients. Individuals may develop heart problems like stroke, heart rhythm issues, cardiac arrest or heart muscle malfunction. The chronic symptoms can become potentially fatal. 

Currently, Chagas disease is treated through anti-trypanosomal medications like benznidazole or nifurtimox. Both of these medications are only offered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The majority of people who develop Chagas disease in the United States most likely caught the disease outside of the United States. Because of this, travelers should be especially cautious when they live or work in affected countries. Avoid consuming unpasteurized acai fruit juice or sugar cane juice because these juices could be contaminated by the bug's feces. Additionally, avoid staying in homes that have a thatch roof or unplastered adobe walls. 

Check out this video for more information:

If you know of someone who has caught this disease, let doctors know. Which prevention techniques do you recommend? Pass this on to your friends and loved ones.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!