Chagas' disease

/ˈʃɑɡəs/

Chagas' disease

English Noun

Definition

A form of trypanosomiasis prevalent in South America, caused by the parasitic trypanosome T. cruzi. It is transmitted to many mammals such as humans through insect bites, mainly by kissing bugs. Symptoms include fever, oedema, cardiomyopathy, and enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes. It can be fatal.

Etymology

Named after Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who first described it in 1909.