There's a new epidemic that is rapidly spreading and you might not even know you have it. It's called Chagas Disease and it's a parasitic disease that is spread mostly by insects known as Triatominae or "kissing bugs." The bug is known to kill about 11,000 people a year. Chagas disease spreads when the insects carrying T. cruzi feed off of someone's blood. The insects drop their contaminated feces on the skin that then enters the bloodstream through the bite wound, which allows the parasite to affect the heart and gastrointestinal system.
There is no way of identifying that you have been bitten, since the bite is painless and leaves no mark. While the bite is painless, many who have Chagas disease develop heart disease or megacolon and when left untreated, they die from what looks like a sudden heart attack. This is how you can prevent getting attacked by this bug and keeping safe.
1. Avoid sleeping in mud or adobe houses. The bugs tend to live in these types of locations.
2. Use insecticides to remove any insects from your home.
3. Use insect repellent, so no bugs feed off of you.
4. Have a well-constructed facility that is air-conditioned.
5. Use a bed net, so no insects attack youo.
6. Wear protective clothing that will not leave you exposed.
7. Beware of the night as this is when the bugs are most active.
8. Have good food hygienic practices in food preparation and storage.
9. Testing of organ, tissue or blood to have early diagnosis.
10. Prevent visiting rural areas where there's a risk of infection.
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