Condition

Chagas Disease

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

Chagas disease is an illness caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, most often transmitted through the bite of triatomine bugs that carry the parasite in their feces. An initial acute phase, often with mild or no symptoms, is followed in many people by a lifelong chronic infection that can, decades later, cause serious heart or digestive disease. It is found predominantly in the Americas, particularly in parts of Latin America.

Facts
Classification
Body System
Cardiovascular System 1
Body System
Lymphatic or Immune System 1
ICD-10 Chapter
I: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 2
Communicable or Non-communicable
Communicable 2
Transmission Route
Vector-Borne 3
Causative Agent
Trypanosoma cruzi 1
First Described
1909 1
Prevalence
6.5 million (2019) 1
Causative Agent
Causative Agent (category)
Parasitic 1
FAQs

Who first described Chagas disease and how many people are affected today?

First described in 1909 by Carlos Chagas; about 6.5 million cases in 2019.

The disease was first described in 1909 by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, after whom it is named. A 2019 estimate put the number of people living with it at about 6.5 million. This entry records what the sources report and is not medical advice.
Connections

Associated With

Infectious Disease, Medical Specialties

Parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi; infectious disease specialty.

In the Other Atlases

Caused By

Trypanosoma

Also in Nature Atlas: a cause of this subject.

Addressed By

Amazon Initiative to Combat Chagas Disease

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source PAHO, Chagas DiseasePage text
Quote, Page text
Response to Chagas outbreaks of foodborne diseases.
Andean Initiative for Chagas Disease Control

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source Chagas Disease Control Surveillance in the Americas (PMC9261920)Page texttier 1
Quote, Page text
The Initiative of the Andean Countries for CD control-surveillance (IPA hereafter) was officially launched in 1997 in Bogotá, Colombia within the framework of the Hipólito Unanue Agreement signed by the Ministries of Health of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Central American Initiative for Chagas Disease Control

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source PAHO: Central America Conquers an Exotic VectorPAHO story page, programme goals listtier 1
Quote, PAHO story page, programme goals list
As a result, in 1997 three initiatives were established into one, the Initiative of the Countries of Central America and Belize for Interruption of Vector-borne Transmission of Chagas disease by R. prolixus, Reduction of Household Infestation by Triatoma dimidiata, and Elimination of Transfusional Transmission of T. cruzi (IPCA).
EMTCT Plus Initiative

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source PAHO: EMTCT Plus Initiative 2010-2021 (overview page)overview page, objective sentencetier 1
Quote, overview page, objective sentence
The EMTCT Plus initiative aims to achieve and sustain the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, Chagas disease, and hepatitis B.
Southern Cone Initiative to Eliminate Chagas Disease Transmission

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source Wikipedia: Chagas diseasePrevention and control section, vector control history paragraphtier 3
Quote, Prevention and control section, vector control history paragraph
Regional bodies dedicated to controlling Chagas disease arose through support of the Pan American Health Organization, with the Initiative of the Southern Cone for the Elimination of Chagas Diseases launching in 1991, followed by the Initiative of the Andean countries (1997), Initiative of the Central American countries (1997), and the Initiative of the Amazon countries (2004).
World Chagas Disease Day

Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.

Source World Chagas Disease Day (Wikipedia)Lead section
Quote, Lead section
It was first celebrated on April 14, 2020, and was named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case on April 14, 1909.
Sources
1. Chagas disease - Wikipedia
  • Lead paragraph 1
    caused by Trypanosoma cruzi
  • Lead paragraph 5
    The disease was first described in 1909 by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas
  • Infobox, frequency
    6.5 million (2019)
  • Article text
    Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
  • Lead section, body-system statement
    In the early stage, symptoms are typically either not present or mild and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, or swelling at the site of the bite.
  • Lead section, body-system statement (cardiovascular)
    Up to 45% of people with chronic infections develop heart disease 10-30 years after the initial illness, which can lead to heart failure.
View the Source
2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter I
Quote, List of chapters, Chapter I
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
View the Source
3. Wikidata: Chagas Disease
WikidataWikidata P1060 (transmission-route: vector-borne)
Quote, Wikidata P1060 (transmission-route: vector-borne)
Disease transmission process: insect borne transmission
View the Source
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