Silent Sufferers: The Hidden Reality of Chagas Disease
Chagas disease, transmitted by "kissing bugs" that carry the T. cruzi parasite, often goes unnoticed until complications arise. Most people with Chagas disease are asymptomatic during the acute and chronic phases, but about 20% of those infected may develop serious heart or digestive problems. Left untreated, the disease can lead to heart failure or other life-threatening conditions. Testing is recommended for individuals from Latin America or those who have traveled to the region and are experiencing heart problems. Global warming may be causing the range of kissing bugs to shift northward, increasing the risk of Chagas disease in new areas.