What is Chagas disease, an infection caused by 'kissing bugs' affecting 7 million people?

Chagas disease stands as a complex health problem, emblematic of neglected tropical diseases and socially determined ailments. With approximately 6 to 7 million individuals worldwide bearing its burden, predominantly in Latin America, this infectious scourge extends its reach far beyond its traditional boundaries.

From rural hamlets to bustling urban centres, Chagas disease infiltrates territories as distant as Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond.

Symptoms

Chagas disease manifests in two distinct phases, each presenting its own set of challenges. The acute phase, often asymptomatic or mild, marks the initial invasion of the parasite. However, it's the chronic phase that unveils the true severity of this condition.

Hidden within the heart and digestive muscles, the parasites pave the way for cardiac, digestive, neurological, or mixed alterations that afflict up to a third of patients, leading to a cascade of debilitating symptoms and, in severe cases, death.

Prevention

To prevent Chagas disease, several ways such as include vector control, blood screening prior transfusion and transplantation, testing and treating girls, women of reproductive age, newborns and siblings of mothers with infection, and information, education and communication for communities and health professionals is advised by the World Health Organization.

Treatment and Potential Cure

Early intervention with antiparasitic medications such as benznidazole or nifurtimox offers a lifeline, holding the potential to halt disease progression and prevent transmission.

However, the efficacy of these treatments diminishes with time, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and intervention. The disease is curable if detected early and medication prescribed.