Chagas disease in children can be treated…the earlier, the better
Doctors diagnose (identify) Chagas disease by doing blood tests. Two different blood tests are needed to be sure that the diagnosis is correct. If the tests are positive, there are medicines for treating the infection. It is best for these medicines to be prescribed in the early (acute) phase of the disease.
If you and your children are at risk, talk with your doctor about being tested
The sooner your children are diagnosed with Chagas disease, the sooner they can be treated. If you are infected while pregnant, your baby should be tested after it is born. If the tests are positive, your baby may be treated.
If someone in your family tests positive, ask your doctor if other family members should be tested too.
How is Chagas disease treated?
The infection that causes Chagas disease is treated with medicine that helps fight the parasites. Although it is best for treatment to be prescribed soon after people are infected, it can also be used for children and teenagers who have had the infection for a while.
Who should be treated?
Experts recommend treatment for children who:
Are diagnosed soon
after becoming infected
(in the acute phase)
Are aged younger
than 18 years,
even if they have had
the infection for a while
Are newborns
who became infected
during pregnancy
