World Chagas Disease Day Observed by WHO on April 14

April 15, 2024

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the feces of infected triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs,” that typically bite humans on the face at night. The disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplantation, and from mother to child during pregnancy.

Symptoms and Progression of Chagas Disease

Chagas disease has two phases: an acute phase and a chronic phase. The acute phase usually lasts for the first few weeks or months after infection and is often asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling at the site of infection.

If left untreated, the infection progresses to the chronic phase, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Chronic Chagas disease can cause heart problems, including an enlarged heart, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms, as well as digestive issues such as megaoesophagus and megacolon.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chagas Disease

Diagnosing Chagas disease can be challenging, as symptoms can be nonspecific and may not appear until years or even decades after infection. Diagnostic tests include blood tests to detect the presence of antibodies to the parasite, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to identify the parasite’s DNA.

Treatment for Chagas disease is most effective when started early in the infection, before the onset of serious complications. Antiparasitic medications such as benznidazole and nifurtimox are commonly used to treat the infection and prevent the progression of the disease. However, these medications are most effective in the acute phase and have limited efficacy in the chronic phase.

World Chagas Disease Day and Awareness Campaign

The World Health Organization designated April 14 as World Chagas Disease Day to raise awareness of the disease and its impact on global health.

The theme for 2024, ‘Tackling Chagas disease: detect early and care for life,’ emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the progression of the disease and reduce its burden on affected individuals and communities.

On World Chagas Disease Day, organizations and individuals around the world come together to raise awareness of the disease, educate communities about prevention and treatment strategies, and advocate for increased research funding and access to healthcare services for those affected by Chagas disease.

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