Chagas disease is named after the Brazilian physician Carlos
Chagas, who discovered the disease in 1909. It is caused by the
parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and
people by insect vectors and is found only in the Americas
(mainly, in rural areas of Latin America where poverty is
widespread). Chagas disease (T. cruzi infection) is also
referred to as American trypanosomiasis. In the United States,
Chagas disease is considered one of the Neglected Parasitic
Infections, a group of five parasitic diseases that have been
targeted by CDC for public health action. - Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333 TTY:
(888) 232-6348 New Hours of Operation