The bite of a soil insect can even kill you, know what is Chagas disease and how does it spread?

Chagas disease is a type of infection caused by the bite of an infected insect called triatomine. This disease is also called kissing bug because the insect often bites the person on his/her face. In this, the person may have flu-like symptoms or may not see any symptoms at all. This disease can be fatal, but with timely treatment, the affected person recovers completely. Chagas disease can be passed from parents to children during pregnancy or delivery.
(All photos courtesy: freepik)What is Chagas disease?

Mayo Clinic (Reference) Chagas disease is also called American trypanosomiasis. It can infect anyone. If it is not treated at the right time, it can cause serious problems related to heart and digestive system. In the acute phase of this infection, the focus is on killing its parasites. If someone is infected with it for a long time then it is not possible to kill its parasite. The later stages of treatment focus on managing its signs and symptoms. Some steps can also be taken to prevent infection.

Symptoms of Chagas Disease

The symptoms of Chagas disease are divided into two stages: the first is acute, which lasts for a short time, and the second is moderate, which lasts for a long time. The symptoms of the acute phase are usually not very severe. Its symptoms include fever, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, low appetite etc. Symptoms of the middle stage include heart failure, blood clots, cardiac arrest, trouble swallowing and stomach problems.

How does Chagas disease occur?

These insects are mostly found in muddy areas, hence sleeping in such places should always be avoided. Use mosquito net whether at home or outside. Apart from this, also spray insecticide around the bed. Scratching or rubbing the bite site helps the parasite enter your body. Once they enter your body, they start spreading rapidly.

A person can also get infected by

• Consuming raw food contaminated with the feces of infected insects
• from an infected parent
• Blood transfusion or organ transplant from someone infected with the parasite
• Accidentally coming in contact with parasites while working in the lab
• spending time in forests where there are infected wild animals

Risk Factors Associated with Chagas Disease

• These factors increase the risk of developing Chagas disease
• living in muddy areas
• living in a house with triatomine bugs
• Blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected person

Complications related to Chagas disease

If Chagas disease persists for a long time, it can cause serious heart and digestive problems.

Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when your heart becomes so weak and stiff that it cannot properly pump as much blood as the body needs.

Enlargement of the esophagus: This rare condition is caused by an abnormal dilation of the esophagus. Apart from difficulty in swallowing, the person also has digestive problems.

Enlargement of colon: Megacolon occurs when the colon widens abnormally. This causes stomach pain, bloating and severe constipation.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.