While the control of the major Chagas' disease vector Triatoma infestans has been achieved in many endemic areas of Brazil, data from the inception of the control program in the Triângulo Mineiro (1976-79) suggest that re-infestation by triatomines occurs under certain favorable conditions. The percentage of houses infested in 500 communities of the Triângulo Mineiro region is compared for two years: 1976 and 1979, using linear regression models. Controlling for three major triatomine vectors, household crowding, house demolition and construction, and infested out-buildings are all independent covariates of house infestation in these communities. While several household factors have been suggested as correlates of infestation, the control program focuses on community-level reductions in infestation, but intra-community or regional comparisons have heretofore been unfeasible. Computerized data are becoming available to identify communities at high risk for re-infestation, and for targeting control-program activities.
Chagas' Disease; Control; Triatoma sp.; Brasil
