Chagas disease is known for infecting millions and killing thousands of people worldwide, with symptoms including fever, headache, and abdominal or muscle pain. Recently, scientists detected black and orange insects carrying the tropical parasitic disease in Delaware. Reports of the possible outbreak in the state came after a resident found a large insect, which potentially carries the disease, on their pillow.
In their recent case study, scientists issued a warning to Delaware concerning the public health threat posed by Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis. The study described the case in New Castle County, Delaware, as unusual since the insects carrying the parasitic disease are rare in the northern part of the state. Health authorities previously detected related Chagas cases in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Delaware Chagas Disease Warning
In late June 2024, it was reported that scientists issued a Chagas disease warning for Delaware after a resident in New Castle County found in their home a potential insect carrier of the disease. In previous years, the insect dubbed "kissing bug" carries the said infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
The kissing bugs appear to have a black and orange pigment on their body, resembling other blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes. However, the Chagas-carrying bugs belong to the species eastern bloodsucking conenose (Triatoma sanguisuga).
In their study published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, scientists from the University of Delaware and the University of Georgia reported the first Chagas disease case carried by T. sanguisuga, infected with T. cruzi, in Delaware. The research paper identifies not only one but two cases of kissing bugs discovered in New Castle County, spanning between July 2023 and October 2023.
According to the paper, the first bug was found by a New Castle County homeowner in his bedroom last July 7. Meanwhile, the second specimen was found on a cookie sheet in the kitchen in the same county last October 22. It is unclear how the insects got inside, but one of the homeowners said they were likely able to enter through the crevices of the house.
What is Trypanosoma Cruzi?
Based on previous research, scientists described Trypanosoma cruzi as a protozoan and a "haemoflagellate intracellular parasite" which feed on blood of another organism. This is likely the reason why T. cruzi causes Chagas disease, which can result in severe heart problems and even death if left untreated.
The disease can be transmitted to humans mainly through vector-borne infections, including by insects such as T. sanguisuga. However, they can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, consumption of contaminated fruits, and even through congenital means, according to researchers in a 2015 study.
The American trypanosomiasis, mainly transmitted by a triatomine bug, infects approximately 6 million to 7 million people across the globe, especially in Latin America, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Chagas disease kills around 12,000 people annually. Currently, around 75 million worldwide are at risk of getting infected by the deadly parasite, the WHO estimates.
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