It is an infection caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause serious heart and digestive complications.
On the National Day of Argentina Without Chagas, the Ministry of Health of Neuquen Province informed that the province is free of vector transmission of Chagas, an infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. To this end, a comprehensive approach to this pathology is adopted through the interdisciplinary work of health teams at the provincial level. This reduces the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant people and few cases of vertical transmission have been reported.
Chagas disease is an infection caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause serious heart and digestive complications, which can only be detected through blood tests.
The most common forms of transmission include: vector transmission (when these insects -Vinchucas- bite, defecate and deposit the parasite next to the bite site and the person, by scratching, injects the parasite into the wound); And this vertical transmission (When a person of childbearing potential infected with Chagas transmits it to their child during pregnancy or childbirth).
It is important to clarify that Chagas disease is not transmitted through sexual intercourse or breastfeeding. The most common form of transmission in Argentina is the vertical/congenital route.
With regard to the province, the Minister of Health, Andrea Pavey, explained: “Since 2001 we have been certified free of vector transmission by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which means that the bugs found in the area, until now, They have not been infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Similarly, the head of the provincial health portfolio indicated: “Chagas disease can be prevented, treated and cured if it is detected in time and the sooner it is detected, the more likely it is to be cured.” The more it will be.”
National Law No. 26,281 establishes that all public health establishments must provide free access to examination, diagnosis and treatment, as well as relevant diagnostic tests for pregnant people during pregnancy screening.
Thus, in 2022, Chagas screening coverage among pregnant people in the province was over 95 percent, with only 0.8 percent of pregnant people testing positive. In addition, a case of congenital/vertical Chagas disease was reported which was treated in time. This is possible because of the early detection, control and treatment done in the Newquan Public Health System.
In addition, with the aim of remaining a province free of vector transmission of Chagas disease, various works are carried out at the ministerial level from the Directorate of Epidemiology, the Directorate of Health Information, the Department of Environmental Health, the Directorate of Maternity and Childhood. Central Laboratory and Health Establishment.
Similarly, entomological surveillance for Triatoma infestans is carried out in the province, with negative results for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in homes and surroundings.
On the other hand, professionals involved in perinatal care in the province also began to be trained in the “Elimination of Mother-to-Child Infections (ETMI Plus)” strategy. It is related to the transmission of infections such as HIV, syphilis, Chagas and hepatitis B.
The ETMI PLUS initiative aims to eliminate and sustain mother-to-child transmission of these infections that pose a threat to public health and, at the same time, contribute to principles and methods of action for universal access to health. universal health coverage.