American Trypanosomiasis 
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American Trypanosomiasis 

(Chagas Disease)

 

 Definition

What is Chagas disease?

Also called American trypanosomiasis (tri-PAN-o-SO-my-a-sis), Chagas disease is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is estimated that 16-18 million people are infected with Chagas disease; of those infected, 50,000 will die each year.

How is Chagas disease spread?

Reduviid bugs, or "kissing bugs" live in cracks and holes of substandard housing found in South and Central America. Insects become infected after biting an animal or person who already has Chagas disease. Infection is spread to humans when an infected bug deposits feces on a person’s skin, usually while the person is sleeping at night. The person often accidently rubs the feces into the bite wound, an open cut, the eyes, or mouth. Animals can become infected the same way, and they can also contract the disease by eating an infected bug.

How can I become infected?

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