Elimination of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in Brazil

The control of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in Brazil has been systematized and structured into a national program since 1975 when regulat ions were set up on the basis of entomological and sero-epidemiological stu dies which permitted the delimitation of areas at risk of vectorial transmi ssion in the whole country as well as the orientation of the chemical contr ol of domiciliary vector populations. The authors present the original data collected throughout the years comparing them with the present data. The e valuation reveals a virtual interruption of the transmission for Triatoma i nfestans and the remaining possibility of transmission, at very low levels, for native vector species in different areas of the country. It is emphasi zed that it is important to maintain constant entomological vigilance in or der to prevent the reestablishment of transmission.