Habitat and environmental risks of Chagas disease in low-income colonias and peri-urban subdivisions in South Texas

Analysis of Urbanization and Climate Change Effects on Community Resilience in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas

“…The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), located in southern Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border and the Gulf of Mexico, is particularly susceptible to threats from climate change. The RGV is considered an agricultural hub of the state and one of the fastest-urbanizing regions in the U.S., where in a short period between the year 2000 and 2010, agricultural land was replaced by urban use at a rate of 46% and is characterized by a matrix of rural and urban environmental features [5][6][7]. Although urbanization is associated with strong indicators of economic growth, prosperity, and broader connections, ironically, the RGV happens to be one of the poorest in the state [5,7].…”

“…The RGV is considered an agricultural hub of the state and one of the fastest-urbanizing regions in the U.S., where in a short period between the year 2000 and 2010, agricultural land was replaced by urban use at a rate of 46% and is characterized by a matrix of rural and urban environmental features [5][6][7]. Although urbanization is associated with strong indicators of economic growth, prosperity, and broader connections, ironically, the RGV happens to be one of the poorest in the state [5,7]. The average per capita income is approximately USD 13,500, which is 50% below the national average and ranks near the bottom nationally [5].…”

Texas professionals are employing a one health approach to protect the United States against biosecurity threats

“…Texas researchers have used an OH approach to identify the transmission of zoonotic NTDs and evaluate interventions. For example, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, and College of Architecture at Texas A&M University (TAMU) have evaluated domestic dogs as sentinels for human Chagas disease in Hispanic low-SES border neighborhoods [ 20 ] and identified aspects of the housing and peridomestic environments that are risk-factors for infection [ 21 ]. This guided community outreach with a focus upon reducing risk factors, as well as a series of interactive workshops focused on kissing bugs and Chagas disease with continuing education for the promotoras (community health workers) that provide care to the residents of these communities.…”