San Diego County Adds Chagas Disease to Reportable Diseases List
The San Diego County public health officials have included Chagas disease in the local reportable diseases list, according to an announcement made on Friday.
Chagas Disease and World Chagas Day
Chagas disease is now reportable in San Diego County, joining other health agencies in California. This decision comes ahead of World Chagas Day, observed on April 14, which aims to raise awareness about the disease.
About Chagas Disease
Chagas disease is most commonly found in rural areas of Latin America and is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, carried by an insect known as a triatomine or ‘kissing bug’.
The disease can be transmitted to humans if the parasites in the bug feces enter the body through a wound. It can also be spread by touching an infected area on the skin and subsequently touching the eyes or mouth.
Chagas Disease in California
California has the highest number of Chagas disease cases in the United States, with an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 infected individuals.
Importance of Reporting Chagas Disease
By making Chagas disease reportable, health officials in San Diego County can obtain a more accurate count of the local cases.
Symptoms and Risks
Symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, headache, cough, abdominal pain, and swelling. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure or gastrointestinal problems. In rare cases, severe inflammation and infection of the heart or brain can result in death, particularly in young children.
Prevention and Treatment
Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines available for preventing Chagas disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider if you or someone you know has symptoms that could be related to Chagas disease.
Suggest a Correction
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the addition of Chagas disease to the local reportable diseases list in San Diego County. This is directly related to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
The addition of Chagas disease to the reportable diseases list aligns with Target 3.3, as it aims to combat communicable diseases and prevent their spread.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of reported cases of Chagas disease in San Diego County
The article mentions that by making Chagas disease reportable, health officials can get a more accurate account of how many cases there are locally in San Diego. This indicates that the number of reported cases can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 3.3.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | Number of reported cases of Chagas disease in San Diego County |
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Source: fox5sandiego.com
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