Introduction to Chagas Disease
They are known as "kissing bugs," but instead of spreading love, they transmit a parasitic disease that can be deadly.
Chagas disease is considered endemic; it’s present in 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the United States. However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there is growing evidence challenging the label of the U.S. as non-endemic.
Presence of Chagas Disease in the U.S.
The report indicates that infections transmitted by "kissing bugs" have already been identified in eight states: California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas — where it seems to be more common.
However, the CDC notes that the blood-sucking insects, which are usually found in the southern part of the country, are present in 32 states.
How is Chagas Disease Transmitted to Humans?
Chagas disease is an infection transmitted by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite found in the feces of the triatomine insect or "kissing bug."
The insects are often called "kissing bugs" because they tend to bite people’s faces.
The insects hide in cracks in walls or ceilings during the day and come out at night, often feeding on people while they sleep.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an infected insect defecates after feeding, leaving parasites on the human’s skin. The parasites then enter the body through the eyes, mouth, a cut or scratch, or the wound from the insect bite.
Once in the human body, the parasites multiply and spread.
Transmission of the Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, the infection can spread by:
- Eating raw foods that have feces from insects infected with the parasite
- Being born to a person who is infected with the parasite
- Receiving blood from a donor or an organ from someone who was infected with the parasite
- Being exposed to the parasite while working in a laboratory
- Spending time in an area where there are infected wild animals, such as raccoons and opossums
No, the disease is not transmitted through contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Chagas disease does not always cause symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the parasite can cause a sudden and brief illness or it can become a long-lasting chronic condition. The CDC indicates that it has two stages.
Symptoms of the acute phase: The acute phase of Chagas disease can last weeks or months. If there are symptoms, they may include:
- Swelling at the site of infection
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Body ache
- Swollen eyelid
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Enlarged liver or spleen
If the infection is not treated, Chagas disease remains in the body and can progress to a chronic condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the chronic phase may appear 10 to 20 years after the infection begins. In severe cases, symptoms of Chagas disease may include: - Irregular heartbeats
- Heart failure
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Trouble swallowing
- Stomach pain or difficulty passing stool, called constipation
- Possible complications of the disease include heart failure, an enlarged esophagus that can cause a rare condition called megaesophagus, and an enlarged colon, the clinic reports
Risk Factors and Protection
According to the Mayo Clinic, living in rural areas of Central America, South America, and Mexico, living in a building that has triatomine bugs, or receiving blood or an organ from a donor who has the infection, can increase the risk of contracting the disease.
If you live in an area at high risk for Chagas disease, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Do not sleep in a mud, straw, or adobe house
- Use a net soaked with insecticide over the bed with the sides tucked in
- Use insecticides to eliminate bugs from a house
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin
- Health experts recommend seeking a healthcare professional if you have been in an area where Chagas Disease is common and has symptoms of the condition
Conclusion
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that can be deadly if left untreated. It is transmitted by "kissing bugs" and can be found in 21 countries in the Americas, including parts of the United States. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of Chagas disease is crucial in preventing and treating the infection. By taking the necessary precautions and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting the disease.
FAQs
- What is Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by "kissing bugs." - How is Chagas disease transmitted?
Chagas disease is transmitted by the feces of infected triatomine insects, which can enter the body through the eyes, mouth, or wounds. - What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?
The symptoms of Chagas disease can include swelling at the site of infection, fever, fatigue, rash, and body ache, as well as more severe symptoms such as irregular heartbeats and heart failure. - How can I protect myself from Chagas disease?
To protect yourself from Chagas disease, you can take steps such as using insecticide-treated nets, eliminating bugs from your home, and seeking medical attention if you have been in an area where the disease is common and have symptoms. - Is Chagas disease treatable?
Yes, Chagas disease is treatable with antiparasitic medication. However, if left untreated, the disease can progress to a chronic condition and cause severe complications.
