Approximately 8 million people worldwide are infected by the protozoan parasite
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. After a latent period that
can last years or decades, 10% to 30% of infected people develop serious complications,
such as cardiomyopathy or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Contrary to popular
belief, Chagas disease is not solely a vector-borne infection of Latin America.
Clinicians in nonendemic regions must be aware of the potential for childhood
T cruzi infections