About Chagas disease and kissing bugs
Chagas disease is caused by small parasites called Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). When these parasites enter the human body, they cause an infection.
How is Chagas disease transmitted?
In Latin America, Chagas disease is most commonly transmitted by insects called kissing bugs, which are infected with these parasites. People from Latin America who come to the United States may have been bitten by a kissing bug and infected without knowing it.
Few people who become infected in the United States get the disease from kissing bugs.
Chagas disease is not transmitted by kissing bugs alone
There are other ways that the infection may be transmitted:
From infected mothers
to their unborn babies
From a blood transfusion
or an organ transplant
from infected donors
From foods or drinks
that are contaminated
with the parasites (rare)
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?
Soon after being infected, people may have no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms.
This is called the acute phase of the infection. Symptoms may include:
Fever
Tiredness
Body Aches
Headache
Rash
Loss of Appetite
Nausea
Diarrhea
Swelling around the site of the bug bite
Because symptoms are similar to flu or other illnesses, people may not know that they have the infection. These symptoms may last from a few weeks up to 3 months.
Babies who are born with the infection may also have symptoms that can sometimes be serious.
Blood tests are the only way to tell if a baby’s symptoms are caused by Chagas disease. If you are pregnant and think you may have Chagas disease, let your doctor know. That way, your baby will be tested after birth. Find out if you may be at risk.
The infection may remain for years. And, it may sometimes cause serious problems.
The chronic phase that follows can last a lifetime, and, although most people do not experience symptoms, 20% to 30% of them may develop serious cardiovascular (heart) or gastrointestinal (gut) problems.
Cardiovascular
Problems
Gastrointestinal
Problems
Chagas disease may be treated with medicine that helps fight the parasites. However, because it works better when taken soon after infection, diagnosing (identifying) and treating Chagas disease early is important.
