A recent study shows that Trypanosoma cruzi—the parasite that causes Chagas disease—can survive in dead kissing bugs (Triatominae) even within insecticide-treated dog kennels.
About Chagas Disease:
Chagas (CHAH-gus) disease is an inflammatory, infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi.
This parasite is found in the feces of the triatomine (reduviid) bug.
This bug is also known as the "kissing bug."
Chagas disease is common in South America, Central America, and Mexico, the primary home of the triatomine bug.
Also called American trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease can infect anyone. Left untreated, Chagas disease later can cause serious heart and digestive problems.
Treatment:
During the acute phase of infection, treatment of Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite.
In people who have chronic Chagas disease, it's no longer possible to kill the parasite. Treatment in this later phase is about managing signs and symptoms.
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