Epidemiological and clinical data from food-borne Chagas disease outbreaks in South America (1965–2023)

Summary Introduction This dataset compiles information on reported foodborne outbreaks of Chagas disease from 1965 to 2023. Its purpose is to enable comparative analysis of epidemiological and clinical patterns over time and across different regions. Dataset contents The file includes data on: contamination sources, clinical findings during acute infection and post-treatment, diagnostic methods (parasitological, serological, and molecular), vector species involved, parasite lineages (T. cruzi DTUs), geolocation and seasonality of outbreaks. Coverage and data volume We compiled data from 111 outbreaks involving a total of 1187 cases across six decades in South America, confirming the growing importance of oral transmission. Key findings and observations Unlike earlier fragmented data, our analysis revealed: consistent seasonal patterns, predominant involvement of specific T. cruzi DTUs, recurrent contamination of unprocessed foods. Strikingly, the case fatality rate exceeded 6%, and cardiac complications frequently persisted after treatment. Yet, the vast majority of reports lacked long-term clinical follow-up or molecular confirmation of infection sources. Documentation gaps Importantly, our findings expose critical gaps that hinder effective public health responses, including: the absence of standardised protocols for outbreak documentation, lack of food traceability, deficiencies in post-treatment monitoring. Value of the data This dataset serves as a valuable resource for researchers, epidemiologists, and public health policymakers.