Chagas Disease is endemic to Mexico, Central America, and South America, with an estimated 8 million people infected, according to the CDC.  Chronic manifestations are not uncommonly seen at Olive View due to immigration from endemic areas, and the Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View provides care for related cardiac complications in these patients.

During your global health elective in Central America, it is important that you have an understanding of the disease as well as the conditions that lead to transmission.  Before your elective, review the following presentation provided by the Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease.

Objectives:

• Describe the signs and symptoms associated with each phase of Chagas Disease (acute, chronic, chronic advanced).
• Describe the epidemiologic and financial burden of Chagas Disease in Latin American countries.
• List the risk factors for infection with Chagas Disease.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of antimicrobial treatment in acute and chronic phases of Chagas Disease.