What is the infectious agent that causes Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Where is Chagas disease found? Chagas disease is confined to South and Central America. How do people get Chagas disease? • Chagas disease is usually spread by the feces of reduviid bugs, insects that live in cracks and holes of poorly constructed houses and outbuildings in South and Central America. The bugs become infected after biting an infected animal or person. Once infected, the bugs pass Trypanosoma parasites in their feces. People get infected when they unknowingly rub bug feces into their eyes or mouth or into a skin wound or bite. People can also become infected by eating uncooked food contaminated with infected bug feces. • Chagas disease can be transmitted by contaminated blood transfusions or by organ transplants. • Infected women can pass the infection to their babies during pregnancy, at delivery, or while breastfeeding. What are the signs and symptoms of Chagas disease? Some people can be infected and never de
