Preventive measures for the control of vectors (bedbugs) of Chagas disease in Madriz, Nicaragua, 2013-2021

Abstract

The objective of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures for the control of vectors (bedbugs) of Chagas disease in Madriz, Nicaragua, 2013-2021. For this purpose, a longitudinal study was conducted, whose universe consisted of 458 patients sampled positive for Chagas disease. The databases of the epidemiological monitoring system were reviewed, clinical records were reviewed, and the departmental epidemiologist was interviewed. Data tabulation and analysis was performed by the researcher in February-March 2023. Among the results, it was found that the most affected age range was 20-34 years with 28.1%, the least affected was 28 days-11 months with 0.43%. The female sex predominated with 57.6%. The most affected municipalities were Somoto with 39.7%, Totogalpa with 29% and San Lucas with 7.6% and the least affected was Las Sabanas with 1.3%. The main actions aimed at diagnosed patients were the correct management of patients according to regulation 111 and the indication of the Chagas test to all patients exposed to the vector, cardiac patients and pregnant women; likewise, preventive measures for vector control were: training of the community network in vector recognition and capture, referral of suspected cases to health posts, home control of positive patients in the first 24 hours with insecticide spraying, conducting an entomological survey, permanent monitoring of the local infestation rate and house-to-house educational visits. It is concluded that the main preventive measures applied for vector control by the Ministry of Health in Madriz Nicaragua, period 2013-2021 were: massive insecticide spraying days in the most affected municipalities, entomological surveys, bedbug capture by the population and health personnel, and house-to-house educational visits.