Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a Neglected Tropical Disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the heart and other vital organs.
First discovered more than 100 years ago, the disease continues to affect more than six million people worldwide and is one of the most prevalent public health problems in Latin America. The parasite is mainly transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs – also known as ‘kissing bugs’ – but it can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, through contaminated food and beverages, blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Only a small percentage of people living with Chagas disease are diagnosed and have access to treatment. Although Chagas disease occurs principally in the continental part of Latin America, recently it has been increasingly detected in the United States of America, Canada, many countries in Europe and some countries in the Western Pacific.
An estimated 75 million people are at risk of acquiring Chagas.
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The World Heart Federation (WHF) unites the cardiovascular community and drives the agenda to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and help people live longer, healthier lives. Together with our Members, we are working to end needless deaths and build global commitment for improved cardiovascular health at the global, regional, national and community levels. We believe in a world where heart health for everyone is a fundamental human right.
➡️WEBSITE: www.world-heart-federation.org
➡️TWITTER: @worldheartfed
➡️FACEBOOK: World Heart Federation
➡️LINKEDIN: World Heart Federation
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