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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?
WHAT IS CHAGAS DISEASE?

Chagas disease, which is caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is known as the silent disease. An estimated 8 million people have the disease and most of them do not know that they are infected.

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?

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi.

The most common way for humans to be infected is through the faeces of an insect called the kissing bug. The names of this insect vector are as varied as the countries where it is found: vinchuca, chinche, barbeiro, pito, chichá guazu and others.

The parasite can also be transmitted in a number of other ways:

  • from mother to child during pregnancy
  • through a blood transfusion from an infected donor
  • through an organ transplant from an infected donor
  • through the consumption of food and particularly drinks contaminated with the faeces of infected bugs
  • accidentally in the laboratory

One of the peculiarities of this infection is that the parasite can live in the body for a long time without provoking symptoms. However, it may eventually affect the host's heart or digestive system and in some cases cause death.

It is estimated that more than 8 million people have the disease worldwide and that most of them do not know that they are infected.

LEARN MORE

In which countries is Chagas disease found?

What are the symptoms of Chagas Disease?

How is Chagas disease transmitted?

InfoChagas:

InfoChagas: What You Need to Know about Chagas Disease

Chagas:

Chagas: A Neglected Disease

Related Assets:

  • Chagas: A Neglected Disease
  • InfoChagas: What You Need to Know about Chagas Disease

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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