Chagas

ARTIGO ARTICLE

7

Doença de Chagas no Brasil Chagas disease in Brazil

Márcio C. Vinhaes 1 João Carlos Pinto Dias

2

1 Gerência Técnica de Doença de Chagas, Centro Nacional de Epidemiologia, Fundação Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde. Setor de Autarquias Sul, Brasília, DF 70070-000, Brasil. 2 Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde. C.P. 1743, Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brasil. [e-mail]

Abstract This article presents the current situation for Chagas disease vectors in Brazil, based on data from the Brazilian National Health Foundation (FNS). Over the course of the last 20 years, continuous chemical control has resulted in a clear reduction of triatomine densities and Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazilian dwellings. Results have been particularly promising in relation to Triatoma infestans and Panstrongylus megistus, considered the most important species in the past. In parallel, data from school serological surveys, hospitalized patients, and mortality records show an important decrease in the disease. Nevertheless, some areas of the Brazilian Northeast and some residual foci of Triatoma infestans and Panstrongylus megistus remain as major challenges for public health authorities, requiring effective epidemiological surveillance. States and municipalities are required to assume this task at present, as the traditional Brazilian National Health Foundation is undergoing decentralization. Key words Chagas Disease; Triatominae; Insect Vectors; Vector Control; Prevention and Control

Resumo Sumariam-se os dados da Fundação Nacional de Saúde (FNS) sobre o estado atual dos vetores da doença de Chagas no Brasil, verificando-se que após vinte anos de controle químico continuado houve franca redução dos índices triatomínico-tripanosômicos, particularmente para espécies como Triatoma infestans e Panstrongylus megistus. Em paralelo, dados de sorologia escolar, de internações e de mortalidade pela doença