World Chagas Disease Day

The April 14th commemorates the World Chagas Disease Day, a date established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about this silent disease that affects millions of people, mainly in Latin America.

What is Chagas disease?

It is a disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, mainly transmitted by insects known as "kissing bugs" or triatomines, which live in precarious dwellings.

How is it transmitted?

• Insect vector bite (kissing bug)
• Contaminated blood transfusions
• From mother to child during pregnancy
• Consumption of contaminated food
• Transplants of infected organs

Symptoms

• Acute phase: fever, general malaise, inflammation at the bite site
• Chronic phase: may remain symptom-free for years, but then cause serious heart and digestive problems

Importance of the Date

This day seeks:

• Promote early diagnosis
• Improve access to treatment
• Strengthen prevention and vector control
• Reduce stigma towards affected people

The 14th of April was chosen in honor of the day on which the Brazilian doctor Carlos Chagas diagnosed the first case of this disease in 1909.