Disease Facts

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    How is Chagas disease spread?

    Kissing Bugs

    Conenose Bug
    California Department of Public Health

    Kissing bugs are blood-sucking insects that live in North, Central, and South America. They feed on animals and sometimes bite humans. Some, but not all, kissing bugs carry a parasite (Trypanasoma cruzi) that causes Chagas disease. 

    The parasite is spread when the feces of an infected kissing bug comes into contact with the bite area, or with the eyes, ears, or nose. Sometimes, kissing bugs will defecate immediately after feeding, and if a person scratches the bite, they can become infected with Chagas disease. 

    Mother to child 
    Sometimes, Chagas disease can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy. About 1-5% of infants born to mothers with Chagas disease become infected. Women at risk for Chagas disease should be screened before or during pregnancy.  

    Transplant or transfusion 
    Chagas disease can be spread by receiving blood or an organ from someone infected with Chagas disease. In the United States, blood donors are tested for Chagas disease before it is given to someone. 

    Oral transmission 
    Less common in the United States, someone can become infected with Chagas disease if they consume food or drink (fruit juice) that is contaminated with feces from an infected kissing bug. 

    Signs and symptoms

    During the acute phase, people infected with Chagas disease may experience flu-like symptoms such fever, body aches, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Some people may also experience swelling at the infection site

    During the chronic phase, people infected with Chagas disease may experience cardiac complications such as enlarged heart, heart failure, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and/or gastrointestinal complications such as enlarged esophagus or colon, and/or brain infection. Symptoms from gastrointestinal complications may include difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, or constipation. 

    Some people never experience any signs or symptoms of Chagas disease during either phase. 

    There are 2 main phases of Chagas disease: . Phase

    Acute

    The acute phase occurs within the first few months of infection. Some people may not have any symptoms during this phase, while others may experience flu-like symptoms. 

    Symptoms experienced during the acute phase usually resolve quickly, although people who are immunocompromised, have HIV/AIDS, or are undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more severe symptoms.

    Chronic 

    The chronic phase may last decades or be lifelong. 

    • The chronic indeterminate form is when a patient has no signs or symptoms. 
    • The advanced chronic form is when a patient has signs of symptoms of Chagas disease. Symptoms include cardiac complications, and/or gastrointestinal complications, and/or brain infection. About 20-30% of people infected with Chagas disease experience symptoms.
    Diagnosis & Testing

    Do I need to get tested?

    If you think you may be or have been at risk for Chagas disease, you should get tested. 

    You may at risk if you:

    • Have lived or travelled to rural Central or South America, or the Southern United States (including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico). 
    • Were born in or lived in a house with dirt flooring.
    • Were born in or lived in an adobe house.
    • Have seen or were bitten by a kissing bug. 
    • Were born to a mother infected with Chagas disease before or during pregnancy. 

     

    Where do I go for testing?

    Chagas disease is identified via a blood test. The test detects antibodies to the parasite in the blood. 

    Healthcare providers should always use more than one test to validate diagnoses. In some areas, rapid tests are available but again, more than one test is necessary to definitively diagnose.  Patients must be referred by a healthcare provider for testing.

    You can also talk to your primary care provider about being tested for Chagas disease. However, not all primary care providers are prepared to treat for Chagas so finding a Tropical Disease or Infectious Disease doctor is suggested.

    Treatment Options

    Chagas disease can be treated with two drugs, benznidazole or nifurtimox. These treatments are most effective the sooner they are taken after infection.

    Medical contributors volunteer at health clinics
    Providers perform rapid testing at local health clinics