Chagas' Disease: Distribution

The infection only occurs in America in endemic regions. It is a disease associated directly with poverty. The severity varies from region to region. In the South of Texas there are very few cases. Infections occur in Central America sporadically. Although the disease is endemic in large areas of South America, the majority of those infected have no symptoms. Until recently it was thought that approximately 16 million persons were infected, but these figures are under review (see Prevention). The disease is transmitted via the faeces of an infected bug. These are blood-sucking insects which are widely distributed. The illness is characterised by an acute and a chronic phase. Not all infections lead to disease. Untreated, the infection can lead to a great deal of suffering.

Category: Medicine Notes