Consolidation of the control of Chagas' disease vectors in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

The status of transmission of Chagas' disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, since the 1950s is reviewed, together with the measures that have been taken to control the triatomine vectors. The evidence suggests that intense migration occurring within the state in recent decades is leading to an urbanization of the disease as persons acting as infection sources crowd into the urban centres. Two main areas of need are identified: to limit transmission via blood transfusion and to find a means of providing health care for the patient with Chagas' disease, for which at present there is no formalized state programme.