Chagas disease: 7 family members from Lábrea infected, Açaí consumption suspected
In a follow-up on a report from last week, the Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS-AM) now reports seven Chagas disease cases from the same family group in the southernmost municipality of Lábrea in Amazonas state, Brazil, according to a Globo.com report (computer translated).
Trypanosoma cruzi in a blood smear
Image/CDC
Of the seven, five go through treatment in Manaus, among them a child, and two are in the municipality. Contaminated açaí is suspected as the source of the parasite.
The health inspector of VISA Manaus, Augusto Kluckovski, explains that the care in the purchase and consumption of açaí and cane juice are fundamental to prevent the disease.
LISTEN: A look at the neglected tropical disease, Chagas disease
“It is important to observe the hygienic conditions of the supplier, if he is careful to wash, spread the fruits on a white cloth to observe if there are any insects before delivering to the consumer and check if the place of sale is very close to the bush,” he says.
The most effective way to prevent contamination is to heat the food above 60 °, in addition to pasteurizing and lyophilization (dehydration process carried out at low temperatures).
