Orally transmitted Chagas' disease is an ordinarily rare form of Trypanosome cruzi transmission, and responsible for regional outbreaks. Ingestion of contaminated material is generally associated with massive parasitic transmission, ultimately leading to acute myocarditis, with more severe clinical presentation at younger ages, and high death rates. Close monitoring of regional outbreaks by health agencies is mandatory in order to prevent recrudescence of the disease. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.