Chagas “Kissing Bug” Disease: What Canadians Need to Know

What’s Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease is a tropical parasitic disease that’s commonly spread by insects known as “kissing bugs.”

While people often contract the disease from these bugs biting them and defecating near the wound, it’s also capable of spreading through contaminated food or blood, organ transplants, and pregnancy.

Early symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Rash
• Nausea

According to health experts, Chagas disease can lead to more serious health problems (i.e. long-term digestive and nervous system conditions, heart failure, stroke, or death).

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Is Chagas Disease Curable?

Yes — Certain medicines (i.e. benznidazole, nifurtimox, etc.) can reportedly be used to eliminate the parasite if Chagas is caught early.

However, medication becomes less effective the longer an individual has been infected.

Disability Benefits for Chagas Disease in Canada

Chagas, or “Kissing Bug,” disease can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work due to this debilitating condition, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving Lyme disease — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for any condition, including Chagas, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.