CHAGAS DISEASE
What is Chagas Disease? Disease spread by contact with an infected bug (triatomine bug) Causes serious heart and stomach illness
Who Can Get Chagas Disease? Anyone Risk Factors: Living in rural countries of Mexico, South America, and Central America Seen bugs nearby Live in a home with thatched roof or cracked walls
How do you get Chagas? Contact with a kissing bug Also spread through blood transfusions and from nursing mothers to babies. CANNOT be spread by casual person-person contact
What are the Symptoms? Fever & body aches Swelling of the eyelid Swelling at bite mark Problems with digestion Enlarged heart
What Should I Do If I Might Have Chagas? Seek Medical Attention immediately Can be treated with specialized drugs from the Center For Disease Control, or CDC
Additional Information No vaccine available Can be prevented by using insecticides and use bug nets when sleeping in open areas.