An Unfolding Tragedy of Chagas Disease in North America

Abstract

This editorial highlights how the poorest people living in Mexico and the USA are silently suffering under a heavy burden of Chagas disease, with pregnant women disproportionately affected. We can save many lives with greater access to the treatments available today, while knowing the fate of tomorrow's patients rests on increasing investments in research to develop new technologies to treat and diagnose Chagas disease, as well as improving scientific cooperation between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other key countries. Ultimately, scientific breakthroughs for new technologies to fight Chagas disease will be the cornerstone of efforts to control this ancient scourge in North America and beyond