In terms of realization, it took awhile to recognize how many people were being affected by Chagas disease.  Back in the early 20th century, Carlos Chagas, when documenting his disease, only reported a few dozen cases and only within the boundaries of his home country of Brazil (Prata, 82-4). However, as time passed, cases started to appear in other areas, as well.  The number of cases continued to escalate and by 1945 “the disease had been detected in 15 countries [although] interest in the entity continued to be limited to a small group of specialists.  Only they were able to identify the disease” (Prata, 85).