Vet Warns People To Watch For Chagas Disease

[mrsmaalox]

Vet Warns People To Watch For Chagas Disease


http://www.ksat.com/health/18764066/detail.html


POSTED: Friday, February 20, 2009
UPDATED: 10:12 pm CST February 20, 2009

SAN ANTONIO -- A South American bug known for carrying a deadly disease has made its way to South Texas, according to health experts.

The triatomine bug, also known as a kissing bug, has prompted the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention to launch a nationwide investigation into its distribution throughout the country. The bug carries a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, carries what's called Chagas disease, an illness that can lead to heart failure if untreated.

Both humans and pets are vulnerable, said veterinarian John Barnes, but the bug is relatively easy to kill using normal bug spray normally used for roaches.
Copyright 2009 by KSAT.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[mrsmaalox]

Ewww creepy!

[AlamoSpursFan]

Jennifer Dodd...kissing bug...I'm sorry, what was the story about again?

[Solid D]

Both humans and pets are vulnerable, said veterinarian John Barnes, but the bug is relatively easy to kill using normal bug spray normally used for roaches.
Copyright 2009 by KSAT.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

So, do you just spray the bug spray into your mouth if you get Trypanosoma cruzi?

[Summers]

So, do you just spray the bug spray into your mouth if you get Trypanosoma cruzi?

Yep.