In it World Chagas Disease Dayspecialists from the Ministry of Health have highlighted the importance of hygienic measures and early detection to reduce the risk and spread of this parasitic condition.
The disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted mainly by the vector known as the kissing bugaffects millions of people in 21 countries in the Americas, with a significant impact on public health.
According to expertsChagas disease usually manifests itself years after infection, which makes its timely detection difficult. However, preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets and good hygiene practices in food preparation, transportation, storage and consumption can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
He main transmission mechanism is vector, through the deposition of infected feces in wounds of the skin or mucous membranes by hemipterans (bed bugs). Other routes of transmission include transfusion, congenital, organ transplant or oral.
In the long term, the disease can cause chronic and irreversible damage to the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, with serious complications such as apical aneurysm, myocarditis and heart failure. However, timely treatment during the acute phase of the disease can be effective and curative, especially in girls, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women to prevent congenital transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes a series of measures to control the disease, including entomological studies, insecticide spraying, housing improvements, education and community communication, as well as screening tests on donated blood and transplanted organs.
#prevent #Chagas #disease #recommended #Ministry #Health
