Chagas disease is a bloodborne disease that can be transmitted in a healthcare setting.
Sources of transmission of Trypanosomiasis cruzi in a healthcare setting:
(1) blood transfusion
(2) exposure of broken skin to an open wound or during surgery
(3) laboratory accident
(4) aerosol inhalation
(5) organ transplantation
(6) splash of bodily fluids into the eyes or mouth
For healthcare workers working in an endemic region it is important:
(1) to determine the serologic status soon after employment in order to have a baseline for judging any later change.
(2) to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
If an exposure occurs and is recognized immediately then:
(1) try to clean the area exposed
(2) initiate specific therapy immediately with usual doses of nifurtimox or benznidazole for 10 days
(3) repeat serology after 30 days. If positive then treat for 60 days.
