Disease Spreading Through Blood Donations; Test Might Help

According to the PR News Wire, it has been 10 months since a blood-screening test for Chagas' was allowed by the FDA, and since that time approximately 240 blood donors have tested positive. The test is produced by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, and it shows whether or not someone has been exposed to the life threatening parasitic infection.

Data collected by the American Association of Blood Banks indicates that positive results have shown up in thirty four states, and the highest are in some of the hottest areas such as Florida, Texas, and California.

The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the culprit, and the disease is found all over. However the transmission through insects seems to only be found in the Americas. It is also known as American Trypanosomiasis. The parasite lives in bugs that transmit it to people or animals.

At the present time only seventy percent of all blood donations are tested for Chagas', with Red Cross being one of the firsts to start monitoring for it.

It is possible to get Chagas' through bug bites such as mosquitoes or the 'kissing bug', that is know to suck blood from the face of its victim. You may also get it from transfusions or from receiving an organ donation. Also, infants can get it from their mother while in the womb. It can be treated as long as it is caught in time. If it goes into what is called a chronic stage, then it is too late.

You will not get Chagas' through casual contact with someone that is contaminated.

There are two main ways to treat the illness. One is an anti-parasitic treatment. This will destroy the parasite, which will lead to recovery. This method is best if the illness is caught in the beginning stages, but has been known to be helpful after it reaches the chronic stage. It is given through the CDC, and your doctor will need to contact them for treatment information.

The other treatment is the symptomatic method which will manage the symptoms and deal with infections that flare up due to the disease. This method helps those that may have or develop other issues due to the illness. An example might be heart problems.