Chagas disease is endemic in 21 countries in the Americas, and affects approximately 6 million people. In the Americas, Chagas disease show an annual incidence of 30,000 new cases average, 12,000 deaths per year, and approximately 9,000 newborns become infected during gestation.
It's rare for travelers to the at-risk areas in South America, Central America and Mexico to catch Chagas disease because travelers tend to stay in well-constructed buildings, such as hotels. Triatomine bugs are usually found in structures built with mud or adobe or thatch.
More than 5 million people worldwide have Chagas disease. In the United States, there are estimated to be at least 300,000 cases of chronic Chagas disease among people originally from countries of Latin America where Chagas disease is endemic.
If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening. The impact of Chagas disease is not limited to only rural areas of Latin America in which vectorborne transmission (diseases transmitted by insects) occurs.
Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are the states with the most different species and most findings of kissing bugs. Scientists have found that about 50% of kissing bugs are infected with the Chagas parasite. Kissing bugs are a 'vector' because they can carry a parasite that can make people and animal sick.
Many people may remain asymptomatic for life and never develop Chagas-related symptoms. However, an estimated 20–30% of infected people will develop severe and sometimes life-threatening medical problems over the course of their lives. A dilated esophagus or colon, leading to difficulties with eating or passing stool.
Most of the world's kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They've also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
Treatment. To kill the parasite, Chagas disease can be treated with benznidazole or nifurtimox. Both medicines are fully effective in curing the disease if given soon after infection at the onset of the acute phase, including the cases of congenital transmission.
Circulating parasite levels decrease rapidly within a few months and are undetectable by most methods during the chronic phase. Diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease is made by serologic tests for antibody to the parasite. A single test is not sufficiently sensitive and specific to make the diagnosis.
Symptoms of Chagas disease in the acute phase (the first few weeks or months) are: Mild, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and headaches. Rash. Loss of appetite.
Chagas disease is common in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America where an estimated 8 million people are infected.
Chagas disease causes approximately 10,000 deaths per year globally. Up to 30% of infected people develop symptoms.
The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination.
After the incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, infected patients enter the acute phase of Chagas disease. Transfusion- and transplant-associated cases may have a longer incubation period, sometimes up to 120 days.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 6–7 million people are infected with T. cruzi worldwide, with about 10 000 deaths every year.
Currently, Chagas disease PCR testing is only available at the CDC at no charge.
Laboratory testing for Chagas disease is indicated in individuals who are at risk when clinical findings point to acute- or chronic-phase infection.
Chagas disease is usually transmitted by blood-sucking insects of the reduviid family, also known as kissing bugs in the United States and chinches in Mexico and Central America. Other forms of transmission are also possible, although the disease is not contagious through everyday or sexual contact.
Kissing bugs are blood-feeding insects that live in the southern and western United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America.
Treatment for Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite and managing signs and symptoms. During the acute phase of Chagas disease, the prescription medications benznidazole and nifurtimox (Lampit) may be of benefit. Both drugs are available in the regions most affected by Chagas disease.
If found inside the home, kissing bugs are often in: Bedrooms; under or near mattresses or night stands. Near pet beds. Areas of rodent infestation.
Only citronella oil was able to stop all probing and feeding by T. rubida. Citronella oil appears to be a promising potential repellent to prevent sleeping people from being bitten by kissing bugs.
Kissing bugs are bloodsucking insects that can transmit the dangerous and potentially lethal Chagas disease and also cause allergic reactions. They are most commonly encountered in the southwest desert (Tucson, AZ area) during the months of May through July.