Chagas Disease

source: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/284768415

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, affects both animals and humans and is caused by infection with T. cruzi, a parasite transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Chagas disease is most common in rural areas of Mexico and Central and South America. Although present in the United States, it is not regularly transmitted by kissing bugs here.

The parasite that causes Chagas disease is primarily transmitted through the feces (poop) of an infected kissing bug. The parasite enters the body through the bug’s bite wound, a break in the skin, or the eyes or mouth. People can accidentally rub or scratch bug feces into these areas without realizing it, allowing the parasite to enter the body.

While less likely, oral transmission is possible. This is a very effective way for the disease to spread and is believed to be the main route of infection in pets and wild animals, since they may eat the bugs. Chagas disease does not spread from person to person like a cold or the flu, and it does not spread through casual contact with people or animals that are infected.

After infection, symptoms may take up to two weeks to develop. Most people do not feel sick, but some may develop mild symptoms such as swollen eyelids, fever, rash, or diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away within about eight weeks, when the disease enters its chronic phase.

If left untreated, chronic infection can lead to serious complications such as heart or digestive problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes, or congenital Chagas disease (infection passed from mother to baby). The CDC estimates that 20–30% of people with chronic infection develop serious complications during their lifetime. Early treatment can prevent these outcomes, but without treatment, the infection typically lasts for life.

There is one species of kissing bug found in Illinois, known as Triatoma sanguisuga. This species, commonly called the eastern bloodsucking conenose, is most common in the southern half of the state but has also been observed in Champaign County. The bug primarily feeds on rodents and is often found in or near their nests. Unlike some other kissing bug species, it does not defecate (poop) immediately after feeding. Because of this, the chance of its feces coming into contact with a bite wound and spreading Chagas disease to humans is very low.

The kissing bug found in Illinois has orange-red to yellowish markings on its abdomen and wings. However, several other insects found throughout Illinois are often mistaken for kissing bugs. For example, squash bugs and wheel bugs may look similar but do not feed on blood and do not transmit the parasite that causes Chagas disease.

Source: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/chagas/spreads/

Chagas disease is not commonly spread in the United States, and the risk to short-term travelers visiting affected regions is very low. However, people may be at higher risk if they were born in or have lived for an extended time in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, or South America, or if they have a close family member with Chagas disease and may have been exposed in a similar way.

Based on U.S. Census data and disease prevalence studies, CUPHD estimates that between 47 and 82 adults in Champaign County may be living with untreated Chagas disease. The lower estimate (around 47) is likely more accurate, since overall prevalence in Latin America has been declining in recent years. Families with a known history of Chagas disease are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about testing.

If you are traveling or visiting rural areas where Chagas disease may be present:

• Stay in well-built places, such as air-conditioned or screened hotel rooms. Kissing bugs often live in poorly constructed buildings and are most active at night.
• Spray your sleeping area with long-lasting insecticides, if available.
• Sleep under a bed net treated with long-lasting insecticide.

There are currently no drugs or vaccines to prevent Chagas disease.

CDC services, including physician consultations on testing and treatment, are available by phone at 404-718-4745 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chagas Disease Flyer

For more information on Chagas disease:  http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/.