East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
10 Gove Street Boston MA 02128
617-568-4800
Chagas Disease
Chagas disease is called “the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases” by the World Health Organization. It is caused by an infection with a parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, passed through the bite of "the kissing bug," which is found in Mexico, Central, and South America. The disease can appear many years after infection, affecting the heart and intestines.
For more in-depth facts on Chagas disease, please see For Providers.
For information on how to get tested, please see For Patients.
To see videos about Chagas disease, please see Resources.
What are the symptoms?
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70%-80% of patients infected with the Chagas parasite do not develop the disease in their lifetime.
20-30% of people infected with Chagas disease develop heart and/or gastrointestinal disease up to 2-3 decades after initial infection.
Chagas disease can weaken the heart muscle and cause irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, or even stroke.
Chagas can also affect the movement of the gastrointestinal system.
What populations are affected?
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How is it treated?
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Chagas Disease is found in Mexico, Central, and South America in resource-limited and rural communities. Anyone who has lived in these endemic communities is at risk.
It is estimated that over 300,000 people living in the US today are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
The T. cruzi parasite can be treated with antiparasitics prescribed by a doctor who specializes in infections.
The earlier the disease is diagnosed and treated, the less damage there may be to the heart and intestines.
Please see For Patients to find out how you can be tested and see a specialist if your test is positive.
Please see For Providers for more details on diagnosis, treatment, and referrals.
How is it diagnosed?
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Chagas is diagnosed using a special blood test, which tests antibody production agaist the Chagas parasite.
Please see For Patients to find out how you and your child can get tested.
Please see For Providers for more details on testing.
How do people get infected?
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Chagas Disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi). T. cruzi is passed through the bite of an insect, most often the Triatomine or "kissing bug."
Chagas can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or through infected blood products, or food and drink containing the insect vector.
How is it prevented?
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The spread of Chagas disease has been decreased by efforts to improve housing in endemic areas, screen blood transfusions, and diagnose and treat the disease early.
More information about Chagas Disease
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