Information for patients

 

How can I find out if I have Chagas disease?

 

A simple blood test can help you find out if you have Chagas disease.

 

You should be tested for Chagas disease if you have ever lived in Mexico, Central America, or South America and especially if you grew up in rural areas of these countries where you may have lived in houses made of mud, adobe, or other such materials. It is also important to be tested if you are from these areas and have any of the symptoms of chronic Chagas disease.


Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should be tested for Chagas disease because they can pass the disease to their babies. If your mother tests positive for Chagas disease, you and your brothers and sisters should be tested as well.

Testing for Chagas disease requires a blood test. Many doctors do not have experience with Chagas disease and may not offer the test routinely. If you would like to be tested for Chagas disease, you should speak with your doctor about testing options available to you, or feel free to reach out to us for guidance and recommendations.

What to do if I have Chagas disease?

 

Treatment for Chagas disease is available. There are two FDA approved medications for treating Chagas disease, Benznidazole and Nifurtimox. If you are diagnosed with Chagas disease, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor. An infectious disease specialist may be called to discuss treatment options with you. If you have heart disease from chronic Chagas disease, your condition may need to be managed by a heart specialist as well.

 

Many people who find out they have Chagas disease in the United States have a hard time finding a doctor who has experience taking care of Chagas patients. This is in part because doctors who are trained in the United States are often taught that people with this illness live in Latin America, and that it is not found in the United States.  Because of this, they may not know how to get the confirmatory testing that you need or how to best treat this illness. You can print out or send this PAHO document (Spanish, English) to your doctor so that they have more information about how to best take care of you if you have this illness. In addition, you can reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance in finding a physician that can take care of you.

Patient Information Pamphlet

(Click images to open printable links)

Click this link for more information about Chagas disease 

You are not alone, join the patient network.

One of LASOCHA’s goals is to raise awareness among the at risk community. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Because of this, we would like for you to join our patient network and stay connected. By becoming a part of the growing LASOCHA family, you will be provided with the latest information about Chagas disease in the United States. In addition, you can connect with other network members to exchange experiences and provide support. Let’s fight Chagas disease together!

 

    Physician Finder

    LASOCHA is proud to offer this resource to help you find a physician that is qualified to discuss Chagas disease diagnosing with you.

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