Swelling Around the Eye (Romaña Sign)
One of the most recognizable early signs of Chagas infection is swelling around one eye, known medically as Romaña sign. This occurs when parasite-contaminated feces enter the eye after a bite near the face.
The eyelid may appear puffy, reddish, and inflamed, usually without much pain. While this sign does not appear in everyone, it is a strong indicator of early infection and requires immediate medical attention.
Flu-Like Symptoms That Seem Unrelated
Within a few weeks after being bitten, some people develop mild flu-like symptoms. These often include:
Fever
Fatigue or weakness
Headaches
Muscle or joint pain
Loss of appetite
Because these symptoms resemble a common viral illness, they are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.
