Chagas Disease is a serious disease that can become a silent killer and kill. This is an infection caused by a small parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease is caused by the bites of infected insects called triatomine bugs, which are also called kissing bugs because they often bite around the mouth. Let us know all the important things related to this disease.
Many types of diseases continue to make people their victims all over the world. Chagas Disease is one of these, which is a dangerous disease, with the aim of spreading awareness about it, World Chagas Day (World Chagas Day 2024) is celebrated every year in April. According to WHO, the disease mostly affects poor people in Latin America, but it is beginning to be found elsewhere as well. In such a situation, today in this article we will know about all the important things related to this disease-
What is Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. It is named after Carlos Chagas, a Brazilian doctor who discovered it in 1909. The disease is spread to people by the bites of infected insects called triatomine bugs, also known as “biting bugs” because they often bite around the mouth.
These insects usually come out at night and drink blood. Some experts believe that the disease can also be spread through blood transfusion, organ transplant or by eating contaminated food and water.
Thousands of people die every year
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is also called a “silent and silenced disease” because most people who have it have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. According to WHO, about 6 to 7 million people worldwide have Chagas disease. Every year about 10,000 people die from it.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Talking about the symptoms of its disease, Johns Hopkins University has listed the main symptoms of Chagas Disease, but they warn that it can be difficult to distinguish it from other diseases. Some of its symptoms are as follows:-
*Mild flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, body aches and headache)
*rash
*loss of appetite
*Diarrhea
*vomiting
*Swelling or sores near the eye or where it was bitten.
*Enlarged glands
Stages of Chagas Disease
This disease progresses in two stages, which include acute and chronic. During the initial stage, i.e. the acute stage, symptoms are either mild or absent at all, making diagnosis challenging.
At the same time, in the chronic stage, symptoms may appear years or even decades after infection. During this stage, the parasite enters the victim’s heart muscle, which can result in an irregular heartbeat and difficulty eating or having bowel movements.
Read More: Exam Tips: Not of choice on your part! Children Fail Exams for 5 Reasons
