Needs Statement

Although a large segment of the U.S. population is at risk for Chagas disease, many healthcare, public health, and community health workers do not receive systematic training about this parasitic infection and its epidemiology, transmission, risk factors, and clinical manifestations. This lack of training is especially concerning for residents of the Southern United States and for immigrants from continental Latin America, places inhabited by infected Triatominae vector species. Researchers advocate that at-risk children, women of reproductive age, and immunocompromised individuals in these populations should be prioritized for Chagas disease screening, and those who are infected should be treated to reduce the possibility of severe sequelae. This case conference aims to advance learner knowledge about the evidence-based recommendations for Chagas disease diagnosis and management, monitoring of treatment side effects, and implementation of strategies for screening and prevention. The overall goals are to enhance the quality of care for patients with Chagas disease in the United States and to improve patient outcomes by reducing disease-related morbidity and mortality.