Could the Kissing Bug Threaten Laredoans?
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Oct 26, 2011 at 9:47 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Oct 27, 2011
An article from a McAllen newspaper is causing some south Texans to worry.
It's about a bug that can cause serious health problems if infected. Our Lauren Kendrick spoke to the health department director to see if residents of Laredo have anything to worry about.
The article mentions the insects known as kissing bugs. They carry a parasite that can cause heart disease as well as digestive problems and eventually lead to death. The majority of people infected live in central and south America. However, researchers have found the bug in the valley. Luckily the director of the health department says we don't have anything to worry about here in Laredo.
"We have no cases of changas disease which commonly is called the kissing bug disease."
Although the kissing bug does live here, director of the Laredo Health Department, Hector Gonzalez, wants to set the record straight that Laredoans are not at risk for the disease.
"The bug is here though. It's endemic here. It lives here."
Kissing bugs are attracted to a person's breath which is why the bites are usually around one's face. Once the bite becomes swollen it causes it to itch. That's what makes people scratch and spread the parasite into the wounds. Gonzalez attributes the city's good hygiene to the reason there haven't been any cases of it.
"Our conditions have good sanitation, good hygiene, good general health. You go to the doctor. Tthose are the conditions that help us from not getting chagas disease."
They might look harmless, but these little bugs can cause serious problems to those that may become infected with chagas disease.
"It's a parasite that causes the disease and it's a long term effort that may cause heart problems."
Even though Gonzalez is confident that Laredoans are safe from the kissing bug, this article from 'The Monitor' in McAllen has been circulating around the state of Texas causing some commotion.
"As far as I understand the article is about some biologists at UT PAN-AM who are doing studies and made statements, but we don't have the disease."
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
KISS ME said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 10:29 PM
MR. GONZALEZ.."GOOD HYGIENE"??? NOT IN LAREDO.
75922932Mr.pumkin said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 11:23 PM
Y is there always sumone who has to put laredo down...come on have sum pride
75924462M.C. said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 11:57 PM
Nope,dont see a danger. Got to many hungry roaches, bed bugs,rats that will see a kissin bug as one easy meal.
75925173Hector gonzalez said on Thursday, Oct 27 at 1:11 AM
IS CORRUPT AND HE IS FROM MEXICO
75926562Tax Payer said on Thursday, Oct 27 at 8:11 AM
LOL. Well if you want to consider a pile of toilet paper with caca on the corner of public restroom stalls good hygiene that's up to u... Not my idea of good hygiene. Oh and let's not forget the "wonderful" Laredo mothers that leave their kid's nasty diapers on the parking lots of businesses specially of restaurants, real classy Laredo. I'm not putting it down, Laredo puts itself down by their actions I'm just highlighting it.
75935279You are right said on Friday, Oct 28 at 9:27 AM
I get so sick when I look all those diapers cagados in the parking lots, It is incredible how a woman can be that nasty and dirty. We need signs to say "please be careful, do not step on diapers cagados" in parking lots around town.
75994988Dellwood Apartments said on Friday, Oct 28 at 9:30 AM
Look around MR. Doctor Gonzalez. How much money do you receive from apartment owners to close your eyes and tape your mouth (hocico).
75995208Anonymous said on Friday, Oct 28 at 9:35 AM
I one time found used maxi pads where the clean ones were. Also, I once worked in a retail store that people used to urinate in the dressing rooms. Also, sometimes kids would take a dump on the floor because their parents were too busy shopping (it was Christmas time). I have found used condoms on the sidewalk once. I think I can list more, but I can't recall all the instances right now.
75995424X-Laredo Onda said on Friday, Oct 28 at 9:38 AM
Aye,,, es que the tratch is too far for walking y no quero la pan-pestoso on the car con migo. Es mas, mijo soseiga de comiendo freefos proque apestas buen fonkie...
75995616Add a comment
Most Popular