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InfoChagas
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHAGAS DISEASE
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAGAS DISEASE
  • WHAT IS IT?
  • HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
  • HOW IS IT TREATED?
  • HOW TO PREVENT IT?
  • MORE QUESTIONS?
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

Chagas disease can be transmitted in five different ways: by a vector (through the faeces of an insect), through vertical or congenital transmission (from mother to her child during pregnancy), by way of blood transfusions or organ transplants, by ingesting contaminated food or drinks, or because of laboratory accidents.

Pregnancy and Chagas Disease
I have had Chagas disease before. Can I get it again?
Photo: Inorganica

Having Chagas disease is not an obstacle to having a normal pregnancy, but a pregnant woman who has the disease should undergo specific tests and check-ups and should strictly follow her doctor's instructions because the parasitic infection can be transmitted to her child during pregnancy or delivery.

The risk of vertical transmission of Chagas disease from mother to child is estimated at between 3% and 5%. For this reason, newborn babies must be tested to find out whether they are infected. The baby's blood should be tested after birth and, if the results of this test are negative, at nine months of age. When an infant tests positive, drug treatment must be started promptly because a complete cure is possible when treatment is administered during the first year of life.

Mothers can also be treated, but they must wait until after they have stopped breastfeeding because the drugs used to treat Chagas disease are contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since Chagas disease is not transmitted from mother to child through breast milk, mothers who have the disease can safely breastfeed their babies.

LEARN MORE

Advice for Mothers

Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy and Chagas Disease

¿Qué

¿Qué es la enfermedad de Chagas?

Related Assets:

  • Advice for Mothers
  • ¿Qué es la enfermedad de Chagas?

COULD I HAVE CHAGAS DISEASE?

WHAT IS IT?

  • In which countries is Chagas disease found?
  • What are the symptoms of Chagas Disease?
  • How is Chagas disease diagnosed?
  • Why is Chagas a neglected disease?

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

  • Pregnancy and Chagas Disease
  • I have had Chagas disease before. Can I get it again?

HOW IS IT TREATED?

  • Adverse effects of treatment
  • Treatment of complications

HOW TO PREVENT IT?

  • Combatting the kissing bug
  • Advice for mothers
  • Giving blood
  • Organ transplants
  • Advice for travellers

MORE QUESTIONS?

  • FAQ
  • RESOURCES
  • WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
  • RELATED LINKS
  • ASK AN EXPERT

INFORMATION FOR PROFESSIONALS

  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Protocols for Action
  • Life Cycle of the Parasite
  • Research
Chagas Coalition

Contact:
chagas@chagascoalition.org
Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).
c/ Rosselló, 132, 4th floor (08036)
Barcelona. Phone: +34 932 275 407

Latitude: 41.389993 Longitude: 2.153281

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