TO:                         AMIGOS Volunteers assigned to Paraguay

 

FROM:                   Diane Lorence, MD, AMIGOS Medical Director

                                Glenn Bayron, MSW, Director of Volunteer Administration

 

RE:                          Chagas disease in Latin America

 

DATE:                    April 21, 2006

 

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection endemic throughout several Latin American countries.  Chagas is transmitted through an insect vector, T. infestans, with the parasite (T. cruzi) spread via the insect feces.  The parasite causes cardiac and digestive problems in humans 10-20 years after initial infection.  As this disease has a higher prevalence in Paraguay, AMIGOS recommends that specific measures be taken to reduce the risk of Chagas infection.  While these measures are particularly important for volunteers assigned to Paraguay, they are potentially applicable to all projects.  These measures are based on prevention policies from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Peace Corps and include:

 

·         Use of mosquito netting and cots:  Paraguay volunteers must take mosquito netting with them for the summer. This netting, used in conjunction with their cot should be used at all times while in host communities.

 

·         Use of insect repellent or protection, with formulas of 20-30% DEET.

 

·         Careful housing selection:  As the standard of living may be lower in Paraguay, as compared to other AMIGOS projects, some volunteers may have to be placed together in schools or clinics when appropriate housing is not available.  Project Staff and AMIGOS partner agencies will address the issue before the arrival of volunteers.

 

During volunteer in-country briefing, Chagas prevention measures and other health topics will be presented and reinforced.

 

Upon returning to the United States or a volunteer’s country of origin, AMIGOS recommends that all volunteers who participate in the 2006 Paraguay project be tested for Chagas infection.  This test should be administered within 30 days of returning home.  The test can be drawn at any doctor’s office and sent to any commercial laboratory.  Should the initial test produce a positive result, it is recommended that the sample be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta to be verified.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this important health issue.