Chagas Disease

SGVmosquito does not monitor or control triatomine bugs (vectors of Chagas). To report a suspected case of Chagas, please visit the LA County Department of Public Health Website for more information: publichealth.lacounty.gov

The image shows a microscopic view of blood cells, labeled as "Chagas Disease," a condition caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.

What is Chagas?

Chagas (CHAH-gus), or American trypanosomiasis,  is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.

The image shows a close-up of skin affected by a bug bite, with an inset of the bug itself. Redness and swelling are visible.

It is transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs (A), also known as “kissing bugs” because they tend to bite people’s faces.

The bug feeds on a person, then defecates near the bite wound (B); the parasite in the bug’s feces can enter the body through the bite site, mucous membranes, or a scratch. 

Symptoms

Chagas has two phases as the disease develops in the infected individual: an acute phase and a chronic phase. 

Acute Phase 

Acute Phase (weeks to months after infection): Often Mild or unnoticed

  • Fever
  • Feeling tired
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling at site of infection (Most often eye or Romaña's sign)
Chronic Phase 

Chronic Phase (Years to decades later): About 20-30% develop these symptoms. 

  • Cardiac Symptoms:
    • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
    • Heart failure
    • Sudden cardiac arrest
  • Digestive Symptoms:
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Severe constipation or abdominal pain
The image outlines Chagas disease symptoms: acute phase includes flu-like symptoms and rash, chronic phase includes cardiac and digestive issues.

Prevalence in LA County

  • Chagas disease became a reportable condition in Los Angeles County in December 2019. Since then, more than 200 confirmed cases have been identified.
  • Most individuals with Chagas disease in L.A. County were infected while living in or traveling to endemic regions of Latin America, where Trypanosoma cruzi  transmission is common. 
  • Fewer than five cases appear to have been locally acquired within the county.
Chagas disease affects ~7 million worldwide; ~10,000 deaths yearly; ~300,000 in the US; ~70-100,000 cases in California.

For more information about Chagas in Los Angeles County or California, visit: California Department of Public Health