Fábio Nascimento-DNDi
Isaac Bruno and Roberta Luna Miranda. They lived in a detached house near Yautepec when they were both stung. Isaac was stung and had acute reactions, such as headache, bone and fever. He went to the health center and was quickly diagnosed and treated with Benzonidazole. After 3 days of treatment the temperature dropped and the symptoms subsided. Nowadays Isaac has negative results and no symptoms. Roberta, 36, Isaac's wife, was also infected. It is already being treated and feels better, but it is still an undefined case, having been infected two years ago.
Isaac Bruno and Roberta Luna Miranda. They lived in a detached house near Yautepec when they were both stung. Isaac was stung and had acute reactions, such as headache, bone and fever. He went to the health center and was quickly diagnosed and treated with Benzonidazole. After 3 days of treatment the temperature dropped and the symptoms subsided. Nowadays Isaac has negative results and no symptoms. Roberta, 36, Isaac's wife, was also infected. It is already being treated and feels better, but it is still an undefined case, having been infected two years ago.
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World Chagas Disease Day 2021
Campaign key messages and call to action
General public
- Chagas disease prevalence is mainly among poor populations of continental Latin America but is increasingly being detected in other countries and continents. 6-7 million people are infected with Chagas disease worldwide, with about 10,000 deaths, every year.
- Chagas disease is often termed as a “silent and silenced disease” as the infected majority have no symptoms (or mild symptoms). Also, it affects mainly poor people who have no political voice or access to health care. 75 million people are currently at risk of infection.
Call for action
- Chagas disease is often not diagnosed or diagnosed at a late stage. If you live in or have travelled to an area at risk of Chagas disease transmission, or if you have any symptom, see your doctor.
- To prevent infection, protect yourself and your home from the insects known as kissing bugs, among many other local names, or Triatomine bugs.
- Be considerate and kind towards the people who are infected.
Health workers and health partners
- Chagas disease patients need equal access to diagnosis, safe treatment and care.
- Increased global efforts to raise awareness of the consequences, suffering, disability and death associated with Chagas disease.
Call for action
- Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
- Chagas disease patients comprise risk groups that can present severe forms of COVID-19 and should be prioritized for vaccination
- Effective control measures can eliminate domiciliary vector-borne, oral, transfusional, organ transplantation and congenital transmissions.
Decision makers and donors
- It is estimated that over 10 000 people die every year from clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, and about 75 million people are at risk of acquiring the disease. Chagas disease results in a heavy and long burden for families, communities, health systems, economy, etc. To beat Chagas disease, it is crucial to achieve universal health coverage.
Call for action
- Countries should increase capacity and resources to invest in diagnosis, control, prevention, surveillance, treatment and clinical care.
- Chagas disease patients should be prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Academia and researchers
Call for action
- More research is needed for effective prevention measures and cost–effective interventions, including screening (blood, newborns and children, etc.), early case detection, prompt, accessible treatment of cases, vector control, hygiene and food safety.