Globally, April 14th marks the observance of World Chagas Disease Day as initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The objective behind this annual event is to raise public consciousness about Chagas disease, a condition that remains largely unknown to many despite impacting millions of lives, predominantly in Latin America. In 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly devoted this day to emphasize the importance of integrating Chagas disease into primary health care, a theme continued this year.
Unveiling Chagas Disease
Chagas disease, alternately known as the “silent or silenced disease,” is a contagious parasitic ailment that the WHO says affects between six to seven million people globally and accounts for approximately 12,000 deaths per annum. The disease was named after physician Carlos Chagas, who initially identified it in a Brazilian child in 1909.
The Culprit Behind Chagas Disease
The causative agent of Chagas disease is the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is spread by a family of insects known as ‘triatomines’ or ‘kissing bugs.’ These bugs infect healthy humans through bites or defecation. Additional transmission methods include congenital transmission, blood transfusions, organ transplantation, consumption of uncooked food contaminated with feces from infected bugs, or accidental laboratory exposure. However, casual contact with infected humans or animals does not result in disease transmission.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Symptomatic patients can present with fever, headaches, rashes, inflammatory nodules, nausea or diarrhea, and muscle or abdominal pain. However, around 70-80% of those infected remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, which makes early detection quite tricky. Approximately 20-30% of infections progress into the chronic stage, leading to potentially severe damage to the heart, digestive system, or nervous system.
Global Prevalence of Chagas Disease
As of now, Chagas disease is endemic to 21 countries in the Americas. According to the Pan-American Health Organization, there’s an average annual incidence of around 30,000 new cases. Although rare, instances of Chagas disease have been noted in the southern United States and several countries in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the Western Pacific region.
Combating Chagas Disease: Treatment and Prevention
While there are presently no vaccines available to prevent Chagas disease, it is treatable using antiparasitic medications such as Benznidazole and Nifurtimox. These pharmaceuticals have a 100% success rate if given at the outset of the disease’s acute stage. Countries have also implemented preventive strategies to eliminate the bugs or reduce infection rates. Universal screening of blood donors and blood products is undertaken by all Latin American countries and other nations that have reported new instances of the disease.