Chagas Disease Reported in Táchira State, Venezuela

A total of 25 suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases of Chagas Disease have been reported in the municipality of Libertador.

Advice

The risk of exposure to Chagas disease is low for the average travellers. However, the disease is present in rural areas. The risk is increased if travellers camp, stay in poorly constructed housing, obtain unscreened blood transfusions, or consume contaminated food or drink in areas (usually rural) where Chagas Disease occurs.

The insect that causes Chagas Disease lives in unkempt housing (cracks in the walls or ceiling), as well as in various areas outdoors, such as rock and wood piles or under porches, animal burrows, chicken coops or dog houses. The insect bites at night.

There is no vaccine to protect against Chagas disease. Travellers who cannot avoid camping, sleeping outdoors, or staying in poor quality housing should sleep under insecticide-impregnated bed nets and tuck in the edges to protect against the insect bite.