Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily found in Latin America and transmitted by insects known as triatomine bugs, also called "kissing bugs". The disease can cause acute or chronic symptoms including fever, fatigue, and cardiac or digestive problems. Treatment is most effective during the acute phase, but medications can also be used during chronic stages to manage symptoms. Prevention involves measures such as insecticide spraying and avoiding contact with the bugs.

The cause of Chagas disease is the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is spread from an insect known as the triatomine bug, or "kissing bug." These insects can become infected by this parasite when they swallow blood from an animal that is infected with the parasite.

Triatomine bugs live primarily in mud, thatch or adobe huts in Mexico, South America and Central America. They hide in crevices in the walls or roof during the day and come out at night — often feeding on sleeping humans.

Infected bugs defecate after feeding, leaving behind parasites on the skin. The parasites can then enter your body through your eyes, mouth, a cut or scratch, or the wound from the bug's bite.

Scratching or rubbing the bite site helps the parasites enter your body. Once in your body, the parasites multiply and spread.

You may also become infected by:

• Eating uncooked food contaminated with feces from bugs infected with the parasite
• Being born to a person who is infected with the parasite
• Getting a blood transfusion or an organ transplant from someone who was infected with the parasite
• Being accidentally exposed to the parasite while working in a lab
• Spending time in a forest that contains infected wild animals, such as raccoons and opossums

If you live in a high-risk area for Chagas disease, these steps can help you prevent infection:

• Avoid sleeping in a mud, thatch or adobe house. These types of residences are more likely to harbor triatomine bugs.
• Use insecticide-soaked netting over your bed when sleeping in thatch, mud or adobe houses.
• Use insecticides to remove insects from your residence.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin.

Treatment for Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite and managing signs and symptoms.

During the acute phase of Chagas disease, the prescription medications benznidazole and nifurtimox (Lampit) may be of benefit. Both drugs are available in the regions most affected by Chagas disease. In the United States, however, the drugs can be obtained only through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Once Chagas disease reaches the chronic phase, medications won't cure the disease. But, the drugs may be offered to people younger than age 50 because they may help slow the progression of the disease and its most serious complications.

Additional treatment depends on the specific signs and symptoms:

• Heart-related complications. Treatment may include medications, a pacemaker or other devices to control your heart rhythm, surgery, or even a heart transplant.
• Digestive-related complications. Treatment may include diet changes, medications, corticosteroids or, in severe cases, surgery.