Chagas disease is also known by another name, called 'Kissing Bugs' disease. These tiny, black and brown mixed blood sucking insects called triatomines are known as kissing bugs because they carry the Trypanosoma Cruzi (T. cruzi) parasite and infect people and animals, causing Chagas disease. 'Kissing Bugs' often bite people on the face, particularly around the lips and eyes, typically when an individual is sleeping, which is where the name of the disease is derived.
Not so while ago, scientists urged the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Chagas disease an endemic disease, after eight cases of local transmission that were confirmed. Stepping up to prevent the spread of the 'Kissing Bugs' disease, CDC announced the ongoing disease endemic on September 9th, in the United States.
Chagas disease is mainly found in Mexico and Central and South America, but this disease is no longer a problem in rural places in Latin America. The vector-borne disease has spread in the United States like a wildfire and has enveloped 32 states, so far.
Chagas disease has two stages: the first stage is an acute phase, which is where a person infected with Chagas disease shows symptoms shortly after contracting the virus. The signs for Chagas disease include fever, feeling tired, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting and eyelid swelling.
The second stage is known as the chronic phase. This means that a person who tests positive for the 'Kissing Bugs' disease may not show any symptoms at the time of infection, but 20-30% of patients may develop serious health conditions in the long run, such as heart issues and digestive problems.
Chagas disease is spread by the kissing bug, which carries the T. cruzi parasites by sucking the blood of infected people and animals. Anyone can get exposed to Chagas disease, either during blood transfusion, organ transplantation, eating contaminated foods with faeces from infected bugs, or even accidental exposure in a lab. A person can also get exposed to the viral disease if the parasites enter your body through cracked wounds, eyes, mouth or nose.
According to the CDC, some places in Latin America tackled the spread by targeting kissing bugs. As for individuals who live in rural places, or travelling to one such location, ensure to take proactive actions to safe yourself from the parasite. Experts recommend that the best practice to prevent 'Kissing Bugs' disease is by staying in well-built places like air-conditioned or screened rooms. Additionally, spraying long-lasting insecticides, sleeping under bed nets and well-clothed during these unprecedented times. Lastly, avoid eating salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits and unpasteurized fruit juices.
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