06:00, 14 April 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
World Chagas Disease Day is one of the newer awareness days organised by the UN as it was first officially celebrated in 2020. However the disease is said to be known about for over one thousand years.
Also known as American trypanosomiasis, Chagas Disease is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.
Although it is often overlooked, Chagas disease affects an estimated 6 to 7 million people globally, primarily in Latin America, but increasingly in other regions due to migration, including the United States and some parts of Europe.
This article is the one-stop guide for you to have all the information you need about Chagas Disease.
Chagas is a parasitic disease that progresses in two phases: acute and chronic.
In the acute phase, which lasts for weeks or months, symptoms may be mild or absent, making it difficult to detect.
If untreated, the disease can progress to the chronic phase, sometimes decades later, leading to serious complications including heart rhythm abnormalities, enlarged heart, digestive issues, and in extreme cases, heart failure or sudden death.
This disease is primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs", which are mainly active at night. These bugs feed on human blood and excrete near the bite site; the parasite enters the body when a person unknowingly rubs the infected faeces into the wound or their eyes or mouth.
However, transmission isn't limited to insect bites. People can also become infected through:
In the acute phase, symptoms may include:
In the chronic phase, most people remain asymptomatic, but 20–30% develop severe complications, especially affecting the heart and gastrointestinal system.
Early detection is key. Chagas disease can be treated effectively with antiparasitic medications such as benznidazole, particularly in the acute phase or in children. These drugs are most effective before complications arise, making screening and awareness essential, especially in at-risk populations.
Global health organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are working to improve diagnosis, treatment access, and public education. Support networks and research efforts continue to grow, but greater awareness and funding are crucial in tackling this neglected tropical disease.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Also known as Doctors Without Borders, MSF is an international medical charity that delivers emergency healthcare to people affected by conflict, epidemics, and disasters. Find out more.
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). This is a non-profit research organisation developing safe, effective, and affordable treatments for neglected diseases such as Chagas. Learn more here.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). A regional branch of the WHO which leads public health efforts in Latin America, including major initiatives to control, eliminate, and raise awareness of Chagas disease across endemic countries. Support them here.
