What is Chagas disease?
- Chagas disease is a disease caused by a type of parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). People most commonly get infected with Chagas disease in rural areas of Mexico and Central and South America.
- The parasite that causes Chagas disease lives in the gut of triatomine bugs (also known as “kissing bugs”) and most commonly spreads to people when they have contact with the feces (poop) of infected bugs. The feces can cause infection by entering a person’s body through a cut or bug bite or through a person’s eyes or mouth.
- More rarely, Chagas disease spreads by passing from birth parent to baby (congenital), through contaminated blood products, organ transplantation, or through contaminated food or drink.
- Triatomine bugs are typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. There are currently no kissing bugs that are known to live in Washington.
- Not all kissing bugs are infected with the parasite.
- Although kissing bugs are not present in Washington State, people who travel or move to Washington from places where Chagas disease is common may be infected with the parasite, many without knowing it.
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?
- Infection with the parasite that causes Chagas disease may cause no symptoms or may cause severe disease.
- Chagas disease has two stages, an acute phase and a chronic phase. The first, or acute phase, happens shortly after infection. If a person is not treated with antiparasitic medication, they enter the chronic phase, which is lifelong in the absence of treatment. In both stages, some people might not feel sick at all, while others can have serious health problems.
Acute phase: This early stage happens in the first weeks or months after getting infected. Symptoms may not occur at all or are often mild and can include:
- Fever
- Feeling tired
- Body aches
- Headache
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Eyelid swelling (Romaña's sign)
Chronic phase: This stage can last many years or be lifelong. Many people who have been infected have no symptoms during this time, while about 20 – 30% develop serious problems. Chronic phase symptoms include:
- Heart issues, such as an enlarged heart, heart failure, altered heart rate or rhythm, or sudden death.
- Digestive problems, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, leading to trouble eating or going to the bathroom.
If you have symptoms of Chagas disease, talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have traveled to an area where Chagas disease is widespread.
What treatment is available for Chagas disease?
Antiparasitic treatment is available for Chagas disease but is not recommended in all cases. If you have been diagnosed with Chagas disease, discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Who is at risk?
People who have lived or spent time in areas where infected kissing bugs are present are at risk for Chagas disease. Additionally, people with an infected birth parent may be at risk. CDC currently recommends Chagas disease screening for the following groups:
- Persons who were born in or lived for >6 months in areas of Mexico, Central America, or South America with endemic Chagas disease
- Pregnant persons who were born in or have lived in areas of Mexico, Central America, or South America with endemic Chagas disease
- Family members of persons diagnosed with Chagas disease if travel or residence exposures were shared
- Persons with a birth parent who has been diagnosed with Chagas disease
Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about tests available for Chagas disease screening.
Chagas disease does not spread from person to person like a cold or the flu. It also does not spread through casual contact with people or animals who are infected.
Does Washington state have kissing bugs?
No, the kissing bug species that carry the Chagas disease parasite are not known to be found in Washington state. However, there are several bugs from the same family (Reduviidae), known as assassin bugs, that are found in Washington state and are sometimes confused with kissing bugs. A common insect that is often confused with a kissing bug is the western conifer seed bug (family Coreidae).
How can I protect myself and my family?
If you are traveling to or visiting rural areas that might have Chagas disease, be sure to:
- Stay in well-built places, such as air-conditioned or screened rooms. This lowers the risk of contact with infected kissing bugs, which often live in poorly built dwellings and are active at night.
- Sleep under bed nets treated with long-lasting insecticide.
- Wear clothing that covers your skin and use EPA-registered insect repellant on skin that's exposed.
- Do not eat salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and unpasteurized fruit juices.
There are no vaccines or medicines that can prevent Chagas disease at this time.
If you have previously lived or spent time in areas where infected kissing bugs are present, discuss with your healthcare provider whether screening for Chagas disease is recommended.
Chagas disease in Washington state
- Currently, about 300,000 Washington residents, or 4% of the state’s total population, were born in countries where Chagas disease is present.
- Each year, fewer than 10 cases of Chagas disease are reported to the Department of Health. However, we estimate that around 2,500 people may be living with Chagas disease in Washington.