Although little known in most countries, Chagas disease affects nearly nine million people worldwide, primarily children. Historically, Chagas was only known to occur in Latin America, but recent human migrations have carried the disease to several European countries and parts of the United States. This alarming trend has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO), with support by Bayer HealthCare, to increase prevention and treatment efforts in afflicted Latin American countries.
Transmission and Symptoms
Chagas disease is caused by a parasite which enters the human body in one of three ways:
- Blood feeding bugs that live in the crevices of poor-quality houses, typically in rural areas. After biting the skin, these bugs leave feces containing the Chagas parasite, which may enter the bite wound when rubbed.
- Transfusions with infected blood. Those infected with Chagas often remain symptom-free for many years and do not know they are infected. Blood donations by infected people are the likely pathway by which Chagas has spread to countries outside of Latin America.
- Congenitally, from mother to fetus. Although those with Chagas disease may appear symptom-free for years, the parasite slowly invades internal organs during that time, causing swelling and progressive weakness. 32 percent of those infected eventually die from fatal damage to the heart or digestive track, and many others remain permanently disabled.
Chagas Endemic Countries
Source: World Health Organization
Prevention and Control
The international health community has already made significant progress against Chagas disease: since 1990, the number of cases has been cut in half. However, eliminating the disease will require additional investment and expansion of regional Chagas control networks. Implementing the following four strategies will be important:
- Treating homes, especially in poor, rural areas, with insecticides.
- Increasing blood screening for Chagas at blood banks, both within and outside of Latin America.
- Improving access to drug treatments (two options currently exist) for infected individuals.
RELATED LINKS:
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Chagas Information
Pan American Health Organization, Chagas Information
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