What You Need To Know About Chagas Disease, A Dangerous Infection Caused By ‘Kissing’ Bugs
This is scary—here are the symptoms to watch out for.
A parasite called the “kissing bug” is spreading a dangerous infection that can lead to heart problems in some people who get it.
In August, the American Heart Association released a statement about Chagas disease, which is caused by an infection from a parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi (T cruzi). About one-third of those infected with Chagas disease go on to develop chronic heart disease.
Chagas disease is spread through the feces of an infected blood-sucking insect known as a triatomine, colloquially called the “kissing bug.” The infection enters a person’s skin through the bite site or in the eyes, nose or mouth. According to the World Health Organization, scratching or itching at the bite site helps the infection get into t...