Strategies For Preventing And Treating Kissing Bug Disease

Blood Bank Screening Tests

One way to prevent the spread of kissing bug disease is through blood bank screening tests. In addition to being transmitted by the bugs themselves, the disease can also be transmitted through the blood. Chagas disease is an infection of the blood that can sometimes be fatal. Researchers estimate up to 100,000 immigrants to the United States have the infection and don't realize it. Before anyone gives blood, they're screened for potential illnesses. Blood also needs to be screened before it's brought to the blood bank. In addition to Chagas disease, there are other blood-borne illnesses that can be transmitted through blood transfusions.