Chagas disease is an infection caused by a parasite that is transmitted by insect bites. After years it can affect the heart. Promising new research should lead to more specific treatments.
Disease: Chagas Disease
Last update: June 2006
Intro
FAQ: What can be done about it?
At present, control of the insect vector has been the most successful method of reducing the incidence of the diease to a minimum. Prevention and control include housing improvement, treatment of houses with insecticides and screening all blood donors from endemic countries. Current medicines can only be used to treat the early, acute phase of the disease. In the late stages, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.