Ten Frequently Asked Questions

(1)  Why Santa Cruz, Bolivia?

Per Horace, carpe diem.  It’s my chance to finally learn Spanish, truly experience the culture, and challenge myself.   Chagas disease is most prevalent in Bolivia, as the other countries in the Southern Cone have already taken big steps towards eradication of the disease (mainly housing improvement).

(2)  What is Chagas disease?

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanasoma cruzi.  It is carried by the reduviid bug, known as the “kissing bug” or "vinchucha" (see wanted ad on right).  After biting, the bug leaves behind feces with the parasite, which is then scratched into the wound or mucous membranes by the host.  Over years, the parasite causes dilation of the heart and intestinal track, with 30% progressing to heart failure or sudden cardiac death.  Treatment with nifurtimox or benznidazole is very toxic, so the risks vs. benefits is currently under investigation.

(3)  Who is this Jackie Sherbuk?

Trusted friend, classmate at NYU medical school, and co-explorer extraordinaire.

(4)  What will you two be doing for research?

We will be working in conjunction with the city’s largest hospital, enrolling presenting patients and performing EKGs, echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) and blood tests for biomarkers of cardiomyopathy (BNP, troponin, MMPs, antigen PCR, etc).  Ideally we can use this information to determine how best to identify patients at risk for heart disease.  Our project is under the auspices of two great principal investigators, Robert Gilman of Johns Hopkins and Caryn Bern of CDC, who will periodically visit the sight.  Two MDs will be fully on site helping.

(5)  What’s the weather like?

Hot and humid year-round.  It’s a subtropical climate with the Amazon on the horizon. 

(6)  Where will you live?

A modern apartment with Jackie.  With air conditioning.   No reduviid bugs.

(7)  Will you get weird diseases?

As per CDC recommendations, I’ve been vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, and rabies now.  Malaria is low risk in this region and rarely seen.  I’m guessing dengue is most likely of all, in which case you’ll hear about it.

(8)  Will you get Chagas disease?

No.  The reduviid bug lives and bites only in the worst housing conditions of the rural areas- mud walls and thatched roofs.  Besides, I promised my dad I wouldn’t.

(9)  What about Nate?

He is staying in New York and will continue writing and being Nate (read some stories here or here!).  Hopefully he can visit twice, and we both are planning to make a friend’s wedding in London this year.

(10)  When are you returning?   
Now we are scheduled for May 30, 2013.  See you then!