World Chagas disease day
TheChagas disease, is a neglected tropical disease, and every April 14th, World Chagas Day is commemorated, especially to increase awareness and improve prevention.
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes this disease that affects millions of people in Latin America. The insects known as vampire bugs, commonly called kissing bugs or conenose bugs, are the ones that transmit the parasite.
These vectors are hematophagous and live in cracks in houses or natural environments. They bite at night, and although the bite does not transmit the parasite, the insect's feces can enter the body if the person scratches themselves or comes into contact with mucous membranes or wounds.
The main vectors of the disease are:
- Panstrongylus geniculatus/ Panstrongylus megistus
- Triatoma infestans/ Triatoma maculata
- Rhodnius prolixus
Treatment is effective in the early stages, but there is no vaccine. Efforts have focused on controlling vectors, although they have been reduced due to regional economic constraints.
This illustration was made to remember the presence of the disease and point out its main vector in Venezuela, on the occasion of World Chagas disease day, and refers to the day when Dr. Carlos Chagas diagnosed the first case in 1909 in Brazil. It seeks to raise awareness of the neglected populations and the silent impact of the disease, often referred to as "the disease of the poor." Its objectives are: raise awareness about the disease as a global public health problem, beyond Latin America, highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and promote international collaboration for the research, prevention, and control.
Year: 2021
Technique: Digital illustration.
Illustration type: Scientific.
Type of project/Client: Personal.