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Objective: To analyze serological data collected in two different periods, from the late 1960's to 1983, when these data was first added to the available information about vector triatomines found in the state of São Paulo, and from 1984 to 1999, a period when serology was used to describe endemic Chagas' disease in the state., Methods: Serological surveillance data from schoolchildren (during the late 1960s and between 1973 and 1983), and the general population (between 1980 and 1982) of the municipalities of Cananéia, Iguape and Peruíbe were analyzed together with data collected on the vectors., Results: Seropositivity among schoolchildren remained low and constant in the period from 1973 to 1982, and was no more detected in 1983. Cananéia showed titer distribution patterns typical of a non-endemic area, while Iguape and Peruíbe indicated low endemicity. Most of the cases came from other states; autochthonous cases were suggestive of oral transmission. There were reports of infestation by vector triatomines in 1,261 domiciliary units (main species: Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma tibiamaculata). A total of 5,338 blood samples were collected and 40 were seropositive (0.75%). Triatomines captured within domiciles were mostly adults, and about half of them having fed upon human blood. Serological results of residents living in households where triatomines infected with Trypanosoma cruzi had been found did not differ from those living in houses infested only with non-infected insects., Conclusions: In addition to educational activities aimed at the local population, there is a need to develop a collaboration between scientific institutions to isolate and characterize trypanosoma strains from vectors, reservoirs (sylvatic or other) and humans. Thus, evolutional, ecological, pathological and other pertinent characteristics of different strains of such parasites could be better understood.

Achatina fulica, the intermediate snail host of angiostrongyliasis and also an agricultural pest, is being bred in Brazil for human consumption as "escargot". The snail has escaped from its artificial breeding sites and its dispersal in Itariri country, State of S. Paulo, is reported here for the first time. A. fulica is a transmitter of the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis, nematode which causes meningoencephalic angiostrongyliasis; the risks of human contamination are commented on.

Epidemic outbreaks of dermatitis caused by Hylesia sp which occurred in the coastal region of the State of S. Paulo during the period of December 1989 to December 1991 are confirmed. The incident assumed its greatest intensity in Bertioga, in Santos County, where 612 cases were registered. The outbreak also affected 12 other counties in that region and it was estimated that hundred of affected persons sought the Local Health Service Care. The majority presented with erythematous and prutiginous lesions and papula which lasted 7 to 14 days on average. Treatment consisted of systemic administration of antihistamines, and the use of topic corticosteroids and cold compresses. During the above-mentioned period, three epidemic episodes, coinciding with the rainy season (November to January), occurred. They were first observed in the northern part of the coastal area and then spread to the south. Information as to how avoid contact with the moth was the main prophylactic measure. In highly infested buildings the effectiveness of residual insecticide procedure was used in the attempt to reduce the level of moth infestation. Satisfactory results were obtained with deltametrin applied in a dosage of 50 mg/m2 of wall.