Chagas disease cases rise in Western Europe despite global decline

Chagas disease cases are increasing in non-endemic regions like Western Europe, despite a global decrease in the disease. A new study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that while the overall global burden of Chagas disease has declined since 1990, cases in non-endemic areas, including Western Europe, have risen significantly. The disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic to Latin America. Current treatments are limited and over 50 years old, with a new potential therapy under development.