Background Information:
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi).
About 6–7 million people worldwide, mostly in Latin America, are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
It can be transmitted by the triatomine bug (vector-borne), as well as orally (food-borne), during pregnancy or birth (congenital), through blood/blood products, organ transplantation and laboratory accidents.
Chagas disease has two successive phases: an acute phase and a chronic phase.
Most acute phases are asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms.
During the chronic phase patients may also be symptom-free but some may progress to clinical forms of the disease (cardiac, digestive and/or neurological), which can be life threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Chagas disease is curable if antiparasitic treatment is initiated early, in the acute phase. In chronic infection, the treatment and follow up can potentially prevent or curb disease progression and prevent transmission, for instance, during pregnancy and birth.
Up to a third of people with chronic infection develop cardiac alterations and 1 in 10 develop digestive, neurological or mixed alterations which may require specific treatment.
Key strategies to prevent Chagas disease include vector control (in Latin America); blood screening prior transfusion and transplantation; testing and treating girls, women of reproductive age, newborns and siblings of mothers with infection; and information, education and communication for communities and health professionals.
Key Messages:
Early detection is key as Chagas disease is curable when treatment is provided soon after infection. If this does not happen because of delayed diagnosis, the infection can transform into a life-threatening condition. In this case, adequate care throughout life is essential.
Detection, treatment and monitoring of the disease can be carried out at primary health-care level in most cases.
Increase awareness about Chagas disease: Chagas disease, predominantly affecting impoverished populations in Latin America, is increasingly spreading across continents. With 6-7 million infections globally and significant mortality rates, it poses a substantial public health threat. An estimated 12,000 people die from Chagas disease every year, and about 75 million people are at risk of acquiring the disease.
Unite and act against Chagas disease: From policymakers to partners, donors and academia, concerted efforts are needed to strengthen access to early diagnosis, safe treatment, lifelong care, as well as robust surveillance systems and screening, starting at the primary care level. More investments on research & development for medicines and diagnostics are imperative for combating Chagas disease effectively.
Support people with Chagas disease: Often referred to as a “silent disease” as the infected majority have no symptoms (or mild symptoms), Chagas disease mostly affects marginalized and impoverished communities. Promoting initiatives to overcome barriers to healthcare access for marginalized populations affected by the disease, as well as advocating for comprehensive care and support systems will improve outcomes for all affected individuals and their families.
Address stigma and discrimination: Stigmatization isolates sufferers, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. It’s time to end any kind of stigmatization, discrimination or negligence against people with Chagas disease.
Useful Links:
Link to World Chagas Disease website:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-chagas-disease-day/2024
Link to related WHO news release:
Link to WHO fact sheet on Chagas Disease:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chagas-disease-(american-trypanosomiasis)
Link to WHO Questions and Answers on Chagas Disease:
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
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