Chagas Disease: The Hidden Infection That Becomes a Lifelong Disease–How to Prevent It

Chagas disease is caused by a parasite found in the droppings of kissing bugs, which are left behind after the bugs feed on a person.

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic infection that can live silently in the body for years—sometimes decades—before causing serious heart or digestive problems.

First identified in 1909 by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, the disease affects an estimated 6 to 7 million people worldwide and remains a leading cause of heart failure in Latin America.