Vinchuca In The House | A Silent Killer

Chagas Disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, Central America, and South America where an estimated > 8 to 11 million people are infected by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.

Infection occurs through vectorborne transmission via the feces of the triatomine insect (reduviid bug, kissing bug, assassin bug, and vincucha bug), which may be inadvertently inoculated into the skin or the mucosa of the eyes, nose, or mouth when the insect’s bite is scratched and rubbed.

The triatomine bug thrives under poor housing conditions (for example, mud walls, thatched roofs), so in endemic countries, people living in rural areas are at greatest risk for acquiring an infection. In rural Argentina, villagers speak of "muerte subita" or rapid death caused by Chagas.

But one Argentinian physician, Dr. Gustavo Farrugia, and his colleagues are trying to stop it.


Source: Al Jazeera: Witness

A Silent Epidemic

Risk is the potential that a chosen action or activity (including the choice of inaction) will lead to a loss (an undesirable outcome). The notion implies that a choice having an influence on the outcome exists (or existed). Potential losses themselves may also be called "risks". Almost every human endeavor carries some risk, but some are much more risky than others.

And that's why I'll continue to say: STAY OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!

Of course, they'll be circumstances when being admitted to a hospital is beyond your control, but in many instances, by living a healthy lifestyle and being aware of, and avoiding unnecessary risks, a visit to the hospital can often be prevented.

Being admitted to a hospital carries a significant amount of risk.

Medical advances have brought lifesaving care to patients in need, yet many of those advances come with a risk of HAI. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions. These infections related to medical care can be devastating and even deadly.

A Silent Epidemic is about the many lives that have been impacted by hospital-acquired infections, as well as sepsis, and what can be done to bring an end to this silent epidemic. It is also not in any way an attack on the medical field; it is rather a calling to all people that there are a number of things that can be done to prevent HAIs if we work together.


Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Silent Epidemic from Emily Croke on Vimeo.

Interviewing Super Gono

In this much sought-after interview, our archenemy, Super Gono, discusses and describes the simple, but successful strategies that have led to his recent popularity all across Europe, and have given him the sinister super powers that he's been dreaming about for years.


INPES "Gono" from H.K. McCANN on Vimeo.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

I hate reading these case reports of patients who've contracted serious necrotizing fasciitis infections. It breaks my heart to see a beautiful young woman in the prime of her life having her body ravaged, when these type of infections can so often be prevented.

For my non-medical visitors - necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, sometimes life threatening infection that occurs when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria aren't usually found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs. Occasionally described by the media as "the flesh-eating bacteria", it is a rapidly progressive disease which destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue.

These infections are termed "invasive GAS disease."

Many of us harbor this type of bacteria on our hands, and spread it around without even knowing it. Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day. Make it a habit. By doing so, you'll prevent bacterial spread to others. The spread of all types of GAS infection can be reduced by good hand washing, especially after coughing, sneezing, before preparing foods or eating, and especially after being in crowded places or visiting someone in the hospital.

If you're injured, take precautions and IMMEDIATELY wash the wound site with soap and water, use hydrogen peroxide, and an antibiotic ointment. All wounds should be kept clean and watched for possible signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, and pain at the wound site. If it's serious enough, don't hesitate to call your doctor or check with your local pharmacist. Be smart!

The last thing your loved ones want to hear is an apology for not following these easy precautions.

Neglected Infections Of Poverty

Neglected Infections of Poverty are parasitic, bacterial and viral infections that disproportionately affect impoverished people in the United States. According to the CDC, the NIPs are considered neglected because relatively little attention has been devoted to surveillance, prevention, and/or treatment of these infections.

I know that this video is a little dated, but since 2009 the poor in this country aren't any better off, and it does a great job of discussing the subject. In addition, many people are unaware that Kissing Bugs, a transmitter of Chagas disease, can also be found in southern Arizona.

Watch 'Neglected Infections' Resurface Among America's Poor on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.