Chagas Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and How It’s Managed

4. Acute vs. Chronic: The Phases of Chagas Disease

Chagas disease has two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase occurs shortly after infection and usually lasts a few weeks to a couple of months. Many people have mild or no symptoms, so they may not even realize they are infected.

If untreated, the infection can progress to the chronic phase, which may appear years to decades after the initial infection. Not everyone moves from acute to chronic, but the risk exists. Treatment can still be helpful in the chronic phase, especially if started early, by reducing symptoms and preventing further complications, though it usually does not cure the disease.

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