Acute Chagas disease

Acute Chagas disease is the initial phase of infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It occurs soon after a person is bitten by an infected triatomine bug (often called a "kissing bug"). Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, body aches, swelling around the bite, or nothing at all. During this stage, the parasite rapidly multiplies in the blood and tissues. Although often mild or unnoticed, early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term complications. If untreated, the infection can progress to a chronic phase, potentially causing serious heart and digestive system problems years later.