Chagas Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. It is mainly found in Latin America, where it is transmitted to humans through the bite of a triatomine bug.
These bugs are known as “kissing bugs” because they tend to bite people’s faces.
The early symptoms of Chagas disease can be mild and easily overlooked. They can include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If left untreated, the disease can progress to a chronic phase, which can lead to serious heart and digestive problems.
The risk factors for Chagas disease include living in a rural area of Latin America, where the triatomine bug is common.
People who live in poorly constructed houses are also at higher risk because bugs can easily enter their homes.
In some cases, the parasite can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from a pregnant woman to her baby.
To prevent Chagas disease, it is important to avoid contact with the bugs that spread the parasite. This can be done by using insecticides, repairing cracks in walls, and using bed nets.
Blood banks and organ donation centers in affected areas also screen their donors for the parasite to prevent transmission through transfusions and transplants.
Disease Transmission
Chagas disease stems from the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. This parasite is primarily spread by triatomine insects, commonly known as “kissing bugs.” These insects become carriers after feeding on blood from infected animals.
Triatomine bugs typically inhabit rural dwellings made of mud, thatch, or adobe in Mexico, Central America, and South America. They hide in wall and roof cracks during daylight hours and emerge at night to feed on sleeping humans.
After feeding, infected bugs defecate near the bite site, leaving parasites on the skin. The parasites then enter the body through the bite wound, scratches or cuts, the eyes, or the mouth.
People often unknowingly help the parasites enter their bodies by scratching bites while sleeping. Once inside, the parasites multiply throughout the body.
Chagas disease cannot spread through casual contact with infected people.
However, transmission can occur through consuming uncooked food contaminated with infected bug feces, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors, laboratory accidents involving the parasite, or contact with infected wild animals like raccoons and opossums.
