T. cruzi Transmission

T. cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, is mainly transmitted through contact with feces of infected triatomine bugs, also called "kissing bugs." These bugs bite humans, often at night, and their feces—containing the parasite—are rubbed into the bite wound or into mucous membranes. Less common methods include transmission through contaminated food, blood transfusions, or congenitally from mother to baby. Maintaining good hygiene, housing properly, and avoiding bug bites can significantly reduce the risk of infection.