Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a serious condition that can eventually lead to heart disease in a significant proportion of those infected. The disease got its name from the Brazilian physician, Carlos Chagas, who discovered it in the early 1900s, and is endemic to parts of Central and South America.
Along with humans, the disease occurs in both wild and domestic animals and is often transmitted through eating contaminated foodstuffs. It is, however, more commonly transmitted by a parasitic bug which lives in dank dark corners of cheap housing in slum areas.
While there may be little or no effect at the early stage of the disease, the chronic end of it often leads to abrupt fatalities after several years of incubation. Treatments for the latter stages of the disease are generally not effective and the toxic nature of the medicines can cause greater upset. Chagas disease is diagnosed through a blood test.
How serious: Chagas disease is generally only an annoyance in its early stages, but if left over a number of years can lead to chronic symptoms including heart disease.
How likely: although there is no vaccine to prevent Chagas disease, it is only endemic in certain parts of the American continent and these are areas where travelers are unlikely to venture.
How to get it: Chagas disease is transmitted mainly through being bitten by an infected triatomine insect - known as an assassin bug - which is usually found in poorer, unhygienic housing; through eating contaminated food; as well as through a blood transfusion.
Where it is found: mainly in Latin American climes in poorer communities of Central and South America, such as Mexico, particularly within urban slums and unclean accommodations in rural areas.
Symptoms: symptoms in the early stages of infection may include fever, fatigue, and the swelling of the eyes, while chronic symptoms can cause irreversible damage to the heart and other organs over a number of years. Although the acute symptoms are not life-threatening it is recommended you see a doctor so as to prevent the disease proliferating.
How to avoid it: those visiting rural areas of Central and South America should make sure they stay in good quality accommodations and always apply effective insect repellant.
How to treat it: while Chagas disease is treatable if caught in its early stages, there is no effective treatment once the chronic stage is reached.
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