The Not So Romantic Kissing Bug: Chagas Disease and its Effects on Costa Rica

This topic submitted by Valerie Nesser ( nesserve@muohio.edu) at 9:36 AM on 5/16/08.

What a beautiful frog! Only in Costa Rica!

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University


1. I am researching Chagas disease which has many ecological effects on Costa Rica
2. Research question: How does this disease effect the Costa Rican rainforest directly, and how does it effect native Costa Ricans?
3. I plan to research various aspects and effects of this disease

I. Introduction: As I curiously explored the CDC (center for disease control) website for the prevalent diseases of Costa Rica, I stumbled upon Chagas diseaseÑa disease I learned a little bit about this past semester in an ecology class. This disease, transmitted by Triatoma dimidiata (also known as the kissing bug), has a variety of ecological consequences. It is detrimental to human health, and other mammals such as dogs and many rainforest species. It has also established itself in the food supply, and is spreading. This disease is an important and interesting one to study.

II. How the disease is contracted
a. The kissing bug and other vectors
i. How it bites
ii. Where it lives
b. Other mammals
c. Plants

III. Symptoms
a. Humans
b. Other mammals
c. Plants

IV. Treatment
a. Drug
b. Alternative treatment

V. Effect on rainforest biodiversity
a. T. Cruzi is infecting plants and animals
b. Rainforest fragmentation speeds the infection rate

VI. Effect on domestic/pet and feral species such as dogs

VII. Food contamination

VIII. Water contamination

IX. Prevention

X. Conclusion: Even though the chances of someone in our group actually contracting this disease are slim, it is still an important disease to learn about because of its various effects on Costa Rica. My research has only described one disease, yet it is overwhelming to consider all of the other diseases affecting Costa Rica, and the sum of their effects. Costa Ricans should do what they can to take control of their disease situation, and try to prevent as much as possible through cleaning up disease-infested areas and providing vaccinations. Like my past ecology teacher says, ÒAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.Ó

For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site: http://www.cocori.com/library/eco/chagas.htm.
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