In a recent article published by the Public Library Of Science, the authors have stated that Chagas disease is the new HIV/Aids of the Americas. The article was written by tropical disease experts, several of whom are from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas.
The authors estimate there are 99 million people in the Latin American and Caribbean region who live on less than $2 (US) per day. Almost all of these “bottom 100 million” suffer from at least one “Neglected tropical disease” and in some estimates, these diseases cause a burden of disease that closely approximates or even exceeds that resulting from HIV/AIDS.
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) is a vector-borne disease and approximately 10 million people are living with Chagas disease. Among the neglected tropical diseases, Chagas disease ranks near the top in terms of annual deaths and “disability-adjusted life years” lost.
Most of the world’s cases of Chagas disease occur in the Latin America and Caribbean region, however, due to the “globalization” of the disease, that could translate up to 1 million cases in the US.
Chagas is similar to AIDS because it has a long incubation time and is hard or impossible to cure. It can be transmitted from mother to child or by blood transfusion. About one-fourth of its victims will eventually develop enlarged hearts or intestines, which can fail or burst, causing sudden death.
Triatomine bugs are a type of insect that can carry the parasite which causes Chagas disease. They can live indoors, in cracks and holes in substandard housing, or in outdoor settings, such as beneath porches, between rocky structures, under cement, in rock, wood, brush or beneath bark. They can also be found in rodent nests, dog houses and chicken coops. In the US, they are typically found in the southern states.
The Centers Of Disease Control suggest the following ways to keep Triatomine bugs away from your home:
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, walls, roofs and doors.
- Remove wood, brush, and rock piles near your home.
- Use screens on doors and windows and repair any holes or tears.
- If possible, make sure your yard lights are not close to your home because they can attract the bugs.
- Seal holes and cracks leading to the attic, crawl spaces and to the outside.
- Have your pets sleep indoors, especially at night.
- Keep your home and any pet resting areas clean. You should also perform periodic checks for the presence of bugs.
- Contact a licensed pest control operator if you are considering the use of an insecticide.
Termite Terry wanted to remind everyone that a pest control operator’s main goal is to protect the public’s health. This is just another of the many reasons why regular pest control service is so important.
Have you considered starting up a regular pest control program at your home or business? Call our office at (949) 631-7348 or use our online order form and we’ll schedule a complimentary pest audit for you. Our specialist will perform a thorough inspection and give you the information you need to help keep your home pest free.
