Chagas disease (Trypanosomiasis Americana)

American Trypanosomiasis Chagas disease is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is estimated that 25 million people are infected with Chagas disease; of those infected, 50,000 will die each year.

Chagas disease is locally transmitted in South America

Those people who sleep in poorly constructed houses found in the rural areas are at elevated risk of infection. Houses constructed from mud, adobe, or thatch present the greatest risk.

Manifestation: When the transmission is though the skin a bite wound will appear where the faeces is rubbed into the skin or swelling of the eye on one side of the face, where faeces were rubbed into the eye. Other symptoms are usually not specific for Chagas infection. These symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Enlarged liver
• Enlarged spleen
• Swollen lymph glands
• Meningitis may occur
• Encephalitis may occur

Diagnose and treatment: Parasite is demonstrated in the blood. Treatment is available.

Prevent Chagas disease by:

• Don’t sleep in poorly constructed houses
• Sleep in light, the parasite don’t like ligh

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