January 16, 2015, Gila Senior Center at 7:00 PM

Dr. Marjorie McConnell of the University of New Mexico's Department of Biology will discuss the likely presence of Chagas Disease in the Gila area. Chagas Disease is a long-term chronic condition that may create heart disease and digestive problems yet resides latent for decades with no apparent symptoms.

The parasite that causes Chagas Disease is found in the Kissing Bug (or cone nose, Triatoma) that are known to cohabit with Desert Wood Rats and Packrats. Dr. McConnell is a Research Assistant Professor and the Director of Core Services at the Long Term Ecological Research Network Office in Albuquerque. Her current research interests are within the social- epidemiology and ecology of hantavirus, Chagas, and emerging infection diseases.

For further information, please contact DaleMarcy@hotmail.com