Background:
Chagas disease, a significant global health concern rooted in social
inequalities and political oversights, remains a challenging public health
issue impacting millions worldwide. The increasing detection of triatomines,
the vectors of Chagas disease, in urban areas complicates the situation.
Methods:
This study investigated the incidence of
Rhodnius neglectus
in the urban areas of Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, following several
reports and previous collections of triatomines in the city. An educational
approach was adopted, distributing informational materials and engaging the
community through social networks to generate notifications that would
enable the identification of triatomines. Specimens were collected using
various methods, including passive surveillance actions, light traps, and
active searches in palm trees.
Results:
Rhodnius neglectus
was found in urban areas, invading homes
in Jaboticabal, and was identified in palm trees. The educational approach
led to the collection of 93 triatomines. Colonization was observed in a
residence, with eggs, nymphs, and a concerning record of blood-feeding on a
resident child. The houses where specimens were captured often had nearby
palm trees with birds and nests, facilitating the passive transport of these
insects and increasing the risk of invasion due to light attraction. No
triatomines infected with
Trypanosoma cruzi
were
identified.
Conclusions:
These findings emphasize the need for preventive measures to reduce the
prevalence of
R. neglectus
in urban environments. The data
elucidate the occurrence of
R. neglectus
in the city of
Jaboticabal, associated with its potential behavioral adaptation in urban
environments, underscoring the need for innovative control strategies.