Acute micro-outbreak of Chagas disease in the southeastern Amazon: a report of five cases

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Andreza Karoline Souza Barros de Brito, Débora Raysa Teixeira de Sousa, Edson Fidelis da Silva Junior, Helton Jardys da Silva Ruiz, Ana Ruth Lima Arcanjo, Jessica Vanina Ortiz, Sabrina Silva de Brito, Denison Vital Jesus, Jorge Rubens Coelho de Lima, Kátia do Nascimento Couceiro, Mônica Regina Hosannah da Silva e Silva, João Marcos Bemfica Barbosa Ferreira, Jorge Augusto Oliveira Guerra, Maria das Graças Vale Barbosa Guerra
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2022
• Subjects: Chagas disease; Amazon; Epidemiology; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0687-2021; https://doaj.org/article/9e199a936581442498995f44478ac9ad

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease is gaining importance in the Brazilian Amazon region as a differential diagnosis of febrile syndrome. The most recent microoutbreak occurred in Ipixuna, in Amazonas state. Methods: An epidemiological survey was conducted using parasitological and serological tests, and electrocardiographic analysis. Results: The patients belonged to one family and had ingested açaí acquired from Ipixuna. All patients reported fever and initially a thick blood smear test was done to identify Trypanosoma cruzi. Benznidazole treatment was administered to all patients. Conclusions: Knowledge of the epidemiological dynamics of Chagas disease allows us to improve control and management measures for this disease.