World Chagas Disease Day: Understanding Global Health Impact of Kissing Bugs

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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In today’s era, the most significant challenges to urban development are the lack of sanitation and proper hygiene, which leads to the spreading of various vector-borne diseases in cities. According to WHO, vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all contagious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. One such dreadful disease is Chagas Disease, which affects 6 to 7 million people worldwide and results in over 12,000 deaths.

World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14th every year to raise awareness about Chagas disease and the challenges faced by those affected. 

This article will illuminate the significance of World Chagas Disease Day and the effective ways to combat this disease.

What are the Causes Behind the Spread of Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is primarily spread by the protozoa through the bite of a parasite “Trypanosoma cruzi”. However, it can also spread via other transmission routes listed below: 

• Vector-borne: The disease can spread when infected triatomine bugs, known as “kissing bugs,” bite humans. If a person scratches the bites, they may rub the bug faeces into the wound, transmitting the parasite.
• Congenital: Sometimes, an infected pregnant woman can also transmit this disease to her fetus.
• Blood transfusion: Through contaminated blood or blood products.
• Organ transplantation: Through infected organs.
• Contaminated Food: Rarely, through consuming food or drinks contaminated with the parasite.
• Laboratory accidents: Accidental exposure in a laboratory setting.

These are various ways Chagas disease can be transmitted. As a volunteer, you must educate the masses about all these causes in detail and suggest ways to prevent them.

What are the Chagas Disease Symptoms?

Chagas disease has acute and chronic phases. The symptoms for each phase are given below:

Acute Phase: Normally, the disease occurs shortly after infection and typically lasts a few weeks or months. Symptoms can be mild or absent; many people may not realise they are infected with Chagas disease.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Rash
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the eyelid (Romaña's sign) if the bite is near the eye
• Swelling and redness at the site of the bite (chagoma)
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Chronic Phase: The disease can persist for years or even decades after the initial infection. Many people with chronic Chagas disease never develop symptoms. However, some may experience severe complications–

• Heart problems, such as an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) or even sudden cardiac arrest.
• Digestive problems, such as swollen oesophagus (megaesophagus), lead to difficulty swallowing. Besides, it can cause an enlarged colon (megacolon), leading to severe constipation and abdominal pain
• Neurological problems can also develop, although they are less common.

Note: Not everyone infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease will develop chronic symptoms. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

What are the Key Objectives Behind World Chagas Disease Day?

World Chagas Disease Day aims to increase the visibility of the disease, promote access to diagnosis and treatment, encourage prevention and control measures, and support research and development of new tools. Accordingly, the day focuses on fulfilling the following objectives:

• Increase the visibility of Chagas disease.
• Promote access to diagnosis and treatment.
• Encourage prevention and control measures.
• Support research and development of new tools.

What is the History of World Chagas Disease Day?

World Chagas Disease Day was first observed in 2020. The first case of this disease was diagnosed by Brazilian doctor Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas on April 14, 1909. Hence, the disease was named in his honour. At the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly on May 28, 2019, World Chagas Disease Day was declared a global health awareness day.

What is the World Chagas Disease Day 2025 Theme?

The official theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2025 has not been announced yet. However, it will likely emphasise raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and treatment, and supporting transmission interruption. Last year, the theme was “Tackling Chagas disease: detect early and care for life”, emphasising the significance of early disease detection and comprehensive follow-up care. 

How Can We Participate in World Chagas Disease Day?

The primary objective of World Chagas Disease Day is to raise awareness about Chagas disease and promote prevention and control measures. Therefore, you can participate in this special day by engaging in the following activities:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of Chagas disease. Share reliable resources with others.
• Spread Awareness: Share information about Chagas disease on social media using the hashtag #WorldChagasDiseaseDay. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the disease.
• Support Organisations: Donate to organisations combating Chagas disease, such as the World Health Organisation or other non-profits dedicated to this cause.
• Advocate for Change: Contact your local representatives and urge them to support policies and funding for Chagas disease research, prevention, and treatment.
• Attend Events: Participate in local events or webinars related to World Chagas Disease Day.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organisations working on Chagas disease awareness and support.

These are some impactful ways to take a lead role in raising awareness regarding the perils of Chagas disease, which acts as a silent killer. 

What is the Global Impact of World Chagas Disease Day?

Over the past five years, World Chagas Disease Day has had several key impacts globally:

• Awareness: It has increased global awareness of Chagas disease, reduced stigma, and promoted understanding.
• Resource Mobilisation: It has made a significant difference by encouraging funding and resources for research, prevention, and treatment programs.
• Policy Change: It has compelled governments to amend policies at national and international levels to improve Chagas disease control.
• Healthcare Access: It has access to diagnosis and treatment for affected populations, particularly in underserved areas.
• Collaboration: Fosters collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and organisations working on Chagas disease.
• Community Engagement: Engages communities in prevention and control efforts, empowering them to take action.

Is Chagas Disease Curable?

Chagas disease is treatable, and early treatment is crucial for the best outcome. Whether it is considered ‘curable’ depends on the stage of the infection.

• In the acute phase, it can be treated with antiparasitic drugs to eliminate the parasite and cure the disease.
• Eliminating the parasite can be challenging in the chronic phase. Medications may still be used to try to kill the parasite and prevent or slow the progression of the disease, particularly in younger people. 
• However, if organ damage (such as heart or digestive problems) occurs, treatment will focus on managing those complications, potentially through organ replacement.

Therefore, while the disease is highly treatable and often curable in the acute phase, managing symptoms and preventing progression in the chronic phase is critical. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving outcomes. It is essential to take only prescribed drugs and avoid over-the-counter medications.

In addition to access to quality healthcare and medication, adequate health coverage is crucial to cover all the expenses associated with curing this disease.

Fight Chagas Disease With Comprehensive Health Insurance

Chagas disease can be very severe, and its symptoms may last for years. Treatment for such a disease can not only consume crucial years of your life but can also deplete your entire savings. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive critical illness insurance policy that covers all the expenses related to treating a critical illness. Additionally, you should look for an organ donor cover benefit that covers the organ replacement surgery cost for the donor when choosing the health insurance plan.

>> Also Read: World Health Day

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