Table 2.

Lessons learned and prevention strategies for oral transmission Chagas disease outbreaks in Colombia.

Lesson	Strategy
Guidelines for health care facilities to design preparedness and response plans for orally transmitted CD outbreaks
1. Early detection and diagnosis	Establish clear policies and procedures for the early detection and diagnosis of suspected and confirmed cases of CD.
2. Outbreak response plan	Develop a plan that considers the severity and oral transmission of the disease, including an outbreak response committee with representatives from various areas.
3. Vulnerable populations	Identify high–risk geographic areas and populations to promote prevention and early detection.
4. Regular assessment and updates	Regularly assess outbreak response capacity and update the plan accordingly.
5. Training and education	Provide training to medical and laboratory personnel on the early detection, treatment, and prevention of CD.
Actions that health care facilities can take to ensure staff are adequately trained and equipped to detect and treat orally transmitted CD cases
1. Regular training	Provide ongoing training to health care personnel on the proper diagnosis and treatment of CD.
2. Clear protocols	Establish protocols for the identification and management of suspected and confirmed cases.
3. Access to treatment	Ensure health care facilities have the necessary tools and supplies for diagnosis and treatment, with treatment access available to the public.
4. Mandatory case notification	Emphasize the importance of mandatory notification of cases to the epidemiological surveillance system.
Improving orally transmitted CD prevention measures and encouraging active participation of patients and visitors in infection prevention efforts
1. Education and awareness	Provide clear educational materials about the disease and prevention measures.
2. Communication with patients and visitors	Engage medical staff and social workers in conversations about the disease and prevention measures.
3. Promote self-education	Encourage individuals to educate themselves on avoiding exposure to insect vectors and safe food preparation.
4. Community involvement	Encourage patients and visitors participation in disease prevention efforts through awareness campaigns and community programs.
5. Establish advisory committees	Create patient safety and infection prevention advisory committees to encourage participation and strengthen relationships.
Measures to effectively manage patients with CD during an outbreak of oral transmission in a health center
1. Identification and notification	Identify and notify all patients seeking care with CD.
2. Monitoring and recording	Establish a system to monitor and record cases in the health facility.
3. Communication with epidemiological team	Maintain close communication with the local epidemiological team.
4. Treatment provision and monitoring	Provide treatment to identified patients, monitor effectiveness, and adjust if necessary.
5. Hospitalization decisions	Make decisions regarding hospitalization based on clinical assessment.
6. Home-based treatment	Treat most patients at home under medical supervision.
7. Education and training	Provide adequate education and training to health center staff on CD.
8. Collaboration and coordination	Work collaboratively with local health authorities and organizations to coordinate outbreak management.
Strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of oral transmission of CD in local communities
1. Education and awareness	Promote education about the disease and preventive measures.
2. Improving housing and hygiene conditions	Take measures to improve housing and hygiene, including vector control.
3. Source control	Implement measures to control the source of infection, such as eliminating animal reservoirs and fumigating infested homes.
4. Epidemiological surveillance	Strengthen community surveillance to detect symptoms and report suspected cases.
5. Research and development	Promote research to advance understanding and prevention.
6. Regulatory policies	Develop specific policies to ensure food and beverage safety.
Improving communication and collaboration during a CD outbreak
1. Up-to-date information dissemination	Provide timely and accurate information about the outbreak through various communication channels.
2. Collaboration networks	Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders involved in the outbreak response.
3. Community participation	Encourage active participation of the community in prevention and control efforts.
4. Engagement of health care providers	Ensure health care providers are well–informed and equipped to respond effectively.
5. Coordination with public health authorities	Maintain close coordination with public health authorities to share information and align messaging

Note: CD: Chagas disease.