The World Health Organisation (WHO) observed the World Chagas Disease Day on April 14 to raise awareness about the often-overlooked illness.

The global health body said it causes great suffering and called for increasing public awareness, and secure greater funding and support for early diagnosis and comprehensive follow-up care initiatives.

What is Chagas Disease?

It is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease has been named after Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who discovered it in 1909.

Chagas Disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of the infected triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs", which feed on blood and are active mostly at night. Some experts said it also spreads through blood transfusion, organ transplant or contaminated food and beverages.

WHO said it is called a "silent and silenced disease" as the infected majority have no symptoms or extremely mild symptom.