World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is observed globally every year on April 14 to spread awareness about Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi).
- WCDD emphasizes the need for early detection, comprehensive care, and equitable access to healthcare services for those affected by Chagas Disease.
2025 Theme:
The theme for WCDD 2025 is “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease“, highlighting the collective responsibility in combating this illness.
Background:
i.In May 2019, during the 72nd World Health Assembly(WHA), the World Health Organization (WHO) officially designated April 14 as World Chagas Disease Day(WCDD)
ii.The inaugural World Chagas Disease Day was observed on April 14, 2020.
Chagas Disease:
i.Chagas disease is a life-threatening illness transmitted primarily through contact with feces of infected triatomine bugs (kissing bugs).
ii.Often termed a “silent and silenced disease,” 70–80% of infected individuals show no symptoms initially, but 30–40% develop severe cardiac, digestive, or neurological complications years later.
iii.On April 14, 1909, Brazilian physician and researcher Carlos Justiniano Ribeiro Chagas diagnosed the first human case of Chagas disease in a 2-year-old girl, Berenice Soares de Moura, in Brazil.
- The disease was subsequently named after Carlos Justiniano Ribeiro Chagas in recognition of his discovery.
iv.WHO officially recognized Chagas disease as an NTD in the year 2005, highlighting its global health significance and the need for increased attention and resources.
Transmission and Endemic Regions:
i.Primarily transmitted through contact with the feces or urine of infected triatomine bugs.
ii.It is also transmitted from infected mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, through contaminated blood or blood products, via organ transplantation from infected donors, and by consuming food or beverages contaminated with the parasite.
iii.The disease is endemic in 21 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. However, migration has spread cases to the United States (300,000+ infections), Europe, and Canada.
iv.Chagas disease, though primarily prevalent in continental Latin America, is now being increasingly detected in non-endemic regions across the globe due to factors such as migration and globalization.
Symptoms and Disease Progression:
i.Acute Phase (Weeks/Months Post-Infection)
Often asymptomatic or mild: Fever, swelling at infection site, fatigue, or Romaña’s sign (eyelid swelling).
ii.Chronic Phase (10–20 Years Later)
- Cardiac Complications: Arrhythmias, heart failure, sudden cardiac death (55–60% of fatalities).
- Digestive Issues: Megaesophagus, megacolon, leading to swallowing difficulties or chronic constipation.
Medications:
i.Benznidazole and Nifurtimox: Antiparasitic drugs effective in the acute phase, curing 60–90% of cases. Efficacy drops in chronic stages.
ii.Side Effects: Skin rashes, nausea, and neurological issues, particularly in older adults.
Prevention and Control Strategies:
i.Vector Control: Insecticide spraying and improved housing in Latin America.
ii.Screening: Mandatory blood/organ donor testing and prenatal checks for congenital transmission.
iii.Education: Community awareness to reduce oral transmission risks.
iv.Global Collaboration: WHO’s NTD Roadmap 2021–2030 aims to eliminate transmission through cross-border initiatives.
Key Statistics:
i.Global Infections: 6–7 million people, predominantly in 21 Latin American countries.
ii.Annual Deaths: Approximately10,000, primarily due to heart failure or stroke.
iii.At-Risk Population: Over 100 million people globally.
iv.New Cases: 30,000–40,000 annually, including 9,100+ congenital transmissions.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General (DG) – Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 1948
