Changas
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"Kissing bugs" transmit Chagas to sleeping victims. Be careful who kisses you goodnight. |
FACTS: In 1909 Brazilian scientist Carlos Changas described a new disease-Changas disease. He also identified its cause: a newly discovered Trypanosoma protozoan, which he named "trypanosoma cruzi" to recognize fellow Brazilian physician Oswaldo Cruz's heroic efforts to fight yellow fever, bubonic plague and smallpox. Changas also identified the primary source of transmission of the disease: triatomine bugs (sometimes called "kissing bugs" because of their tendency to bite sleeping victims on the face at night). Changas mistakenly believed it was the bite of the bug that transmitted the disease, when in fact it was later discovered that transmission occurred when the bugs' parasite-carrying feces were rubbed into the bite wound-or the eyes. But small matter: the variety of Changas' personal contributions to the understanding of a particular disease are a singular achievement in the history of medicine.
The signature mark of a new Changas infection is a swollen eye (Romana's sign) near the site of the initial infection. Aches, pains, and generally flu-like symptoms are also not uncommon after initial infection. But in many cases, no symptoms are observed, so many people are unaware that they are infected with Chnagas disease. Still, while the initial infection normally resolves quickly, Changas disease can linger for decaded, and can ultimately cause heart disease, intestinal and neurological problems-and even death.
Though Changas disease is endemic to Mexico and Central and South America, global travel now accounts for a growing number of cases worldwide. If you're not feeling yourself and you remember getting "kissed" on the face at night, check it out. Changas did.
Children, parents and educators will enjoy using these educational plush
toys to teach about hygiene, disease, and the human body. Each microbe
comes with a description of the disease it causes or function it
performs. Use these fun, non-threatening toys to emphasize the
importance of washing hands and preventing sickness in social settings. |
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