Identifying spatial data availability and spatial data needs for Chagas disease mitigation in South America

The objective of this paper on Chagas disease is to determine the availability and spatial resolution of existing data that can be used to address Chagas disease transmission risk in South America. A literature review was conducted to determine prominent variables that models utilize to assist with efforts to mitigate Chagas disease. Next, a Web search was performed to collect publicly available spatial data pertaining to these variables for the countries in South America. The data were classified based on type and spatial extent, which were then used to create maps of data availability of variables related to Chagas disease transmission. Governments can use this information to better direct their resources to collect data and control the spread of triatomines and Chagas more effectively, and potentially identify more cost-effective strategies for eliminating triatomine vectors.