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Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi or otherwise know as the reduviid "kissing" bug. Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that infects animal, such as dogs and cats. It can also infect humans. The bug transmits the disease by feces near where it bites. It usually bites the eyes, nose, or lips of its host. Chagas diseases infects several million people a year and is endemic to Central and South America. The infection can migrate into the body by simply scratching the wound. The infection spreads through the blood and can spread to areas such as the organ, heart, liver, and brain. Symptoms of this disease include fever, inflammation, and brain and heart damage. There are several ways to reduce the risk of getting Chagas disease including using bed nets, wearing protective clothing and using insecticides. However, if you happen to get bit by one of these bugs wash the wound with soap and water and use an anti-itching cream. The parasite is also killed with anti-parasitic medicine such as benznidazole and therefore the disease is cured.