Five Things to Know About Chagas Disease

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-07-23 10:55:00 UTC
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(The bug that carries Chagas. Photo credit: medline.)

1.       Chagas disease is also known as American trypanosomiasis. It is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which is related to the same parasite that causes African Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. Chagas is transmitted by insects only present in the Americas; 25% of the population of Latin America is at risk for the disease.

2.       The insect vector for Chagas is the Triatomine Bug. It's a biting bug that feeds on blood. The parasite travels from person to person in the Triatomine Bug's gut. It also transmits via blood transfusions, and from mother to fetus.

3.       Chagas is a pernicious illness, because the initial symptoms can be mild, and they overlap with a lot of common developing world ailments - fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. And they go away in 3-8 weeks, leaving people to believe they are over their sickness. The parasite remains, however, causing organ damage, immune system weakening, and inflammation.  30% of infected people will develop medical problems as a result of Chagas.

4.       Chagas is prevented through controlling the Triatomine Bug. The focus is insecticide sprays and paints , as well as on improving housing to prevent bug infestations. There is no vaccine.

5.       It is treated with anti-parasite drugs to clear the infestation, and then treatment for the damage done by the parasites. Chagas can weaken the heart so badly that a transplant is required. It can also cause enlargement of the colon, or of the esophagus.

Alanna Shaikh
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