----- Forwarded message from gschin...@edwardsaquifer.org -----
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:20:36 -0500
From: Geary Schindel <gschin...@edwardsaquifer.org>
Subject: FW: Study of kissing bugs for Chagus parasites in Texas.
To: 'David Ochel' <d...@ochel.net>
David,
I'm having a problem as this message keeps getting bounced to Texas
Cavers. Can you post it for me.
Thanks,
Geary
I tried to send this out last week but I think it got bounced.
Geary
Folks,
Two medical researchers at Baylor University (Dr. Hotez and Dr.
Murray) are interested in studying Triatomine Bugs (Kissing
bug/Cone-nose Bug/Vinchuca) for Trypanosama cruzi. This is the
parasite that causes Chagus Disease in dogs and humans. There is some
discussion in the medical field whether Chagus has been transmitted to
humans south Texas or whether most of the Chagus causes are
representative of folks immigrating in from down south. It has
certainly been present in dogs and has resulted in a number of deaths
in dogs. This is a pretty nasty disease and I've been told is
responsible for about half of the heart transplant needs in Central
and South America. It causes all kinds of other health issues also.
Anyway, the kissing bug is pretty common in south central Texas and I
caught four of them in the Deep Cabin last weekend. One had taken a
blood meal (not good). They were shipped off for testing. I've also
seen two bites on the Deep and Punkin Nature preserve property for
kissing bugs. The researchers are asking for folks to collect kissing
bugs and submit them for testing. Since cavers are commonly out and
about and have their nose to the ground, I thought I would ask if
anyone is interesting in helping with the study. All you have to do
is collect the bugs, fill out a short form, and send it in to the
research along with the bug. Here are two links on Chagus. The bug
can be dead or alive but not smushed. The links also include some
pictures of the bug as they are around an inch or less long and have a
real pointy nose. Maybe we should rethink sleeping out without a tent
or netting.
If you would like to participate, please send me an email and I'll
send you the address and other information.
http://www.allaboutchagasdisease.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
Thanks,
Geary Schindel
----- End forwarded message -----
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