Scientists are now a little closer to uncovering the cause of a chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemic that has killed more than 20,000 people in Central America in the last two decades. For years, the cause of the disease -- which primarily afflicts young male agricultural workers -- has stumped doctors. But a new study from the Boston University School of Public Health found that sugarcane fieldwork could play a role.
Kidney disease has become a leading cause of death for Central American farmworkers. But the only thing scientists know for sure is that the situation is getting worse.