Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The University of Texas at El Paso researchers discovered “unusually” high levels of the Chagas disease parasite found in bugs near homes and natural areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite is primarily transmitted by blood-feeding insects known as “kissing bugs.” The debilitating illness affects approximately 6 million people worldwide; in its ‘chronic’ phase, it can persist in the affected individual for decades without symptoms, which can lead to severe heart and gastrointestinal complications. For the study, UTEP researchers collected kissing bugs from El Paso County and southern New Mexico. The team reports that the results demonstrate that Chagas is an increasing public health issue for the southwest.
