Updated estimate of Chagas disease in the endemic countries of the Americas 2018

For some time now, various specialists have raised concerns that the impact of Chagas disease (CD) on the health of the population in the Americas may be greater than what is reported in official country records highlighting the need for estimates that reflect the actual situation as accurately as possible. In 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published a report estimating the epidemiological situation of CD in the 21 endemic countries of the Americas, based on the information available in each country, with the direct participation of governmental, academic, and scientific institutions. This report was a valuable tool for setting priorities and designing public health strategies to address and control this condition. However, changes in the dynamics and epidemiological profiles of CD has made it necessary to update the existing estimates. Based on information available up to 2018, this publication presents an update that assesses the magnitude and risks of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in endemic countries. Updated Estimate of Chagas Disease in the Endemic Countries of the Americas 2018 is the result of the analysis carried out by PAHO together with the programmatic services of the Member States in the endemic area of the parasite.