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Chagas disease in Australia and New Zealand: risks and needs for public health interventions

2013; Wiley; Volume: 19; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/tmi.12235

1365-3156

Yves Jackson, Angie N. Pinto, Sarah Pett,

Research on Leishmaniasis Studies

Abstract Objective International migration has changed the global distribution of C hagas disease, with the emerging importance of non‐endemic regions. We aimed at better documenting the A ustralia and N ew Z ealand risk of C hagas disease and needs for interventions. Methods We reviewed C hagas disease‐related evidences, policies and practices in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand and calculated the estimated prevalence. Results Australia hosts a rapidly growing population at risk and had 1928 infected residents in 2011; N ew Z ealand had 98 in 2006. These figures underestimate the real situation, as they do not consider non‐permanent residents. The only existing policy in both countries is the identification of blood donors with a history of or a risk of infection via questionnaire. There is no programme of detection and care of patients. The lifetime economic burden of disease for society is potentially very high. Conclusion Chagas disease is an emerging health risk with potential high human and economic costs in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand in the absence of public health attention. Implementing strategies to screen high‐risk groups and prevent transmission should be considered. Moreover, migration between the W estern P acific and C hagas endemic regions and the presence of vectors means this risk applies in the whole region.