Venezuela General Health Risks: Chagas Disease

Chagas Disease is transmitted by the Triatoma insect in rural and suburban areas of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States.

Risk is present in rural areas of the following states: Barinas, Lara, and Portuguesa. Extensive public health education and eradication programs are ongoing and have greatly reduced infection rates. Blood supply screening is mandatory.

Main vectors: Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma maculata. The insect is locally known as 'vinchuca'.