World Chagas Disease Day is marked each year on 14 April to highlight Chagas disease, a parasitic infection first diagnosed in 1909 by Dr. Carlos Chagas and now recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease. The observance draws attention to people living with the infection, many of whom remain undiagnosed for years.
Why it matters
Chagas disease can remain silent for a long time, with many people showing no symptoms until they develop serious heart or digestive complications. Because of this, awareness, risk assessment and early testing are essential, particularly for people who have lived in or come from affected regions. The day reminds health services and communities that neglected infections can cause long-term illness and disability if they are not identified and managed in time.
History
The disease is named after Brazilian physician Dr. Carlos Chagas, who first described the infection and its link to a parasite and insect vector in 1909. World Chagas Disease Day was established to give this long-overlooked condition a clear place on the global health calendar, recognising it as a neglected tropical disease and encouraging countries, especially those with endemic transmission, to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis and care.
Key facts
Common conditions
- Chagas infection
- acute Chagas disease
- chronic Chagas disease
- heart complications
- digestive complications
- long-term asymptomatic infection
Who is most affected
- people in endemic Latin American regions
- rural communities
- people in poor housing
- migrants from affected areas
- undiagnosed infected individuals
What you can do
- learn about Chagas disease
- discuss travel and residence history with a doctor
- seek testing if you may be at risk
- support awareness efforts
- follow advice to reduce contact with insect vectors
In Bangladesh
Chagas disease is mainly reported from Latin America, and Bangladesh is not considered an endemic country. For Bangladesh, the main relevance of World Chagas Disease Day lies in keeping clinicians and laboratories aware of the disease in travellers and migrants, and in promoting broader understanding of neglected tropical diseases that may appear through international movement and global health links.
Frequently asked questions
- What causes Chagas disease?
- Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is typically spread by triatomine or "kissing" bugs that carry the parasite.
- Is Chagas disease common in Bangladesh?
- No. Chagas disease is mainly found in Latin America, and cases in other regions are usually linked to people who have lived in or travelled from endemic areas.