Chagas Disease – Symptoms & Treatments | MedStar Health

Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis)

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Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is parasitic infection transmitted by kissing bugs who are native to Latin America which is why this condition is commonly called the “kissing bug” disease.

Bug bites transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi to humans. The resulting infection can, if not effectively treated, cause cardiac and bowel disorders. During the acute phase of the disease, killing the parasite is the focus of treatment. Physicians manage the symptoms in people who have chronic Chagas disease where eliminating the parasite is no longer possible.

Symptoms 

Acute symptoms are:

  • Swelling/redness at the bug bite
  • Muscle pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Swollen gland
  • Abdominal pain

If Chagas disease is not treated in the first days or weeks, years may pass before serious cardiac and bowel symptoms become pronounced. These include symptoms of a heart attack, difficulty in eating, and difficulty in passing stool.

Tests

  • Blood test

If the blood test confirms the Chagas Disease diagnosis, your physician may order additional imaging tests to determine if there are any cardiac or gastrointestinal complications.

Treatments

Chagas disease can be treated with antiparasitic medications. The need for any further treatment will be determined by the results of any imaging tests ordered by your physician. 

 

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MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.