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What is Chagas disease? Chagas disease is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. If not treated properly, Chagas can cause serious illness. Death or chronic symptoms may occur. For those who develop chronic symptoms, the average life expectancy decreases by an average of 9 years. Chagas disease is also called American trypanosomiasis. Where is Chagas disease found? Chagas disease is locally transmitted in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is sometimes transmitted in the United States. How is Chagas disease spread? Chagas disease is spread via the bite of an infected parasite (Trypanosoma cruzi). The parasites live in cracks and holes of substandard housing. The parasites become infected after biting an animal or person, who is already infected with the Chagas disease. People can also become infected with Chagas by:
Who is most at risk for Chagas disease? People who regularly sleep in poorly constructed houses found in the rural areas of Central and South America are most likely to become infected with Chagas disease. Houses constructed from mud, adobe, or thatch are more likely than others to be infested with triatomine bugs. Blood transfusion recipients are at risk as well, because blood is not screened for Chagas. What are the symptoms of Chagas disease? Symptoms of Chagas disease may begin within a few days to a few weeks after infection. However, many t people do not have symptoms until the chronic stage of infection. The chronic stage of infection occurs 100 to 30 years after first being infected. There are three stages of infection in Chagas disease; each stage has different symptoms. On one extreme, some persons may be infected and never develop symptoms. On the other extreme, in people who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, the symptoms of Chagas disease can be severe. Acute
stage: Other symptoms
that are not unique to Chagas disease may include: fatigue,
fever, enlarged liver or spleen, and Sometimes a person develops a rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. In infants and in very young children with acute Chagas disease, the brain may be damaged severely enough to cause death. In general, a person's symptoms last from 4 to 8 weeks and then they go away, even without treatment. Indeterminate
stage: Chronic
stage: cardiac
problems, including an enlarged heart; altered heart rate or rhythm; heart failure;
or cardiac arrest. And, Can Chagas disease be Treated? Yes. Treatment of Chagas is most effective during the early acute stage of infection. In the chronic stage, treatment involves managing symptoms associated with the disease.
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