infectious diseases
Chagas Disease
Prevention of Chagas Disease
Plastering walls and replacing thatched roofs or repeated spraying of houses with residual insecticides (those that have prolonged duration of action) can control Triatominae bugs. Infection in travelers is rare and can be avoided by not sleeping in adobe dwellings or, if sleeping in such dwellings is unavoidable, by using bed nets. Another preventive measure is avoiding fresh sugar cane juice or other foods that might be contaminated. Screening of at-risk women of childbearing age and treatment before pregnancy decrease the likelihood of congenital infection. Blood and organ donors are screened in many endemic areas and, since 2006, in the US to prevent transfusion- and organ transplant–related Chagas disease. 