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Far from affection, the bite of this bug is deceitful. Chagas disease is a potentially fatal infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.

Also known as American trypanosomiasis or kissing bug disease, it affects millions of people across the globe.

It’s World Chagas Disease Day, so let’s dive into some intriguing facts about Chagas disease. 

The Kissing Bug

A bug transmits the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, aptly called a “kissing bug” because of its biting location. That’s because they like to bite near the mouth or eyes, resembling a kiss. 

These unwanted nibblers are more active at night and are, therefore, more likely to bite people while asleep.

Chagas Parasites

The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is transmitted by triatomine bugs or kissing bugs. These bugs act as vectors, transmitting the parasite from an infected animal (vector) to a human. The parasite does the bugs no harm; they’re merely vehicles they require for feeding on blood.

However, the bugs don’t spread this disease directly through their bites. Instead, it’s through contamination with their feces when it comes in contact with wounds or any nearby scratched areas.

Animal Reservoir

Besides the bugs, other wild and domestic animals, like raccoons and dogs, also act as reservoirs. In some regions, these animals harbor the parasite and contribute to the spread of the disease.

Other Transmission Routes

A mother can pass Chagas disease on to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. It can also be transmitted via contaminated blood transfusions and organ transplantation.

On rare occasions, people can consume food or drink contaminated with their feces.

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Widespread Threat

This disease is a common threat to everyone, which is an unpopular fact about Chagas disease. While it is consistently present (endemic) in 21 Latin American countries, there have been cases in 44 countries. 

Because of migration and travel, 75 million people are at risk of Chagas disease all over the world.

Silent Threat

Many people who get infected with Chagas disease don’t show any symptoms when they do; it’s very mild.

This results in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, giving it time to advance. For this reason, it is often called “the silent disease.”.

Stages of Chagas Disease

Chagas disease progresses through two stages: acute and chronic phases. The acute phase can persist for weeks or months and show no symptoms.

Other times, it can cause nonspecific symptoms, such as the flu. Doing so delays diagnosis and treatment, allowing the disease to progress. 

Without detection and treatment, it could advance to the chronic phase. This can take years or decades to develop, and about 30% of Chagas cases reach this stage.

At this phase, the parasite is present in several organs, such as the heart and the digestive system.

Complications of Chagas Disease

This disease can cause severe, life-threatening complications that often need medical intervention.

Chronic Chagas disease can cause cardiac conditions such as heart failure and heart enlargement. They can also enlarge the esophagus or colon, making swallowing and digestion difficult.

Fatality Rate of Chagas Disease

Globally, about 6–7 million people are infected with Chagas disease, and it leads to around 12,000 deaths every year. Heart complications are mostly responsible for these deaths.

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Limited Treatment

Unfortunately, Chagas disease has no cure yet. But, if discovered at an early, acute stage, medications can eliminate the parasite. This helps to prevent its progression to the chronic phase.

However, if it gets to a later stage, the treatment available is for managing the symptoms only.

Preventive Measures

Prevention of Chagas disease is the best approach, and this involves vector control and minimizing exposure to the bugs. 

Using bed nets and insecticides can reduce bug entry and population. Same with improvements in housing conditions and proper window and door screening.

Another Neglected Tropical Disease

Chagas disease is among the twenty neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These infections primarily affect people in low- and middle-income countries.

It is linked to socioeconomic class because proper housing is a contributing factor.

Also, they receive less funding and global attention compared to other major diseases.

Climate Change Effect on Chagas Disease

The effects of climate change can influence the geographical distribution of triatomine bugs.

Like many vector-borne diseases, the rise in global temperatures is leading to an increase in their population. It is making them thrive in previously unoccupied places.

As a result, climate change expands the risk zone for Chagas disease.

Continuous Research

Though there’s still no cure for Chagas disease, research is ongoing. Scientists are working hard to find better diagnostic tools, efficient treatments, and vaccines.

A breakthrough will improve outcomes and the prevention of this neglected tropical disease.

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Global Efforts to Ending Chagas Disease

There’s an international effort to combat the disease, even though it doesn’t get its fair share of recognition.

The WHO and other organizations are working towards controlling Chagas disease, hoping to end its transmission to humans. 

No to the Kissing Bug

Often thought of as a disease of poverty, globalization is influencing the spread of Chagas disease worldwide. And the rising global temperatures are putting more people at risk of this disease.

We all need to know the facts about Chagas disease to enable us to be part of the international efforts to reduce its spread.