The control of Chagas' disease in Mambaí, Brazil: the initial phases

The control of Chagas' disease depends on breaking contact between Man and vector organisms living in the house fabric; the primary method utilized is residual insecticide spraying of houses. Ministries of health in afflicted countries have elaborated standard procedures for such combat programs. The first two phases of such a program in Mambaí, Goiaś, Brazil are described. In the third phase of vigilance, community participation is necessary to detect residual organism populations in houses. A house improvement scheme applied to houses with persistent infection, is recommended as being most practical at this time.