Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening illness transmitted by the insect commonly called the “kissing bug,” has spread to 32 states across the US States, according to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human infections have been confirmed in at least eight states, raising alarm among public health officials that the parasite is becoming a domestic threat rather than an imported one.
The disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is most often transmitted when the insect bites a person’s face and leaves behind infectious material that enters the bloodstream through scratching. Although the infection can be treated if detected early, most people carrying the parasite remain undiagnosed until it is too late for effective treatment.
States Reporting Human and Animal Cases
The CDC confirmed human infections in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and California. In Los Angeles County alone, an estimated 45,000 people could be living with Chagas disease, though fewer than 2% are aware of their condition.
Beyond human cases, infected animals have been documented in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland. This widespread presence of the parasite in both humans and animals suggests that the risk of transmission is far greater than previously thought.
“Most people living with Chagas disease are unaware of their diagnosis, often until it’s too late to have effective treatment,” said Judith Currier, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UCLA Health.
Symptoms and Long-Term Risks
Chagas disease begins with acute symptoms that may resemble common illnesses such as fever, fatigue, headaches, body aches, diarrhea, or vomiting. A telltale sign of early infection is significant swelling of one eyelid, a condition experts describe as nearly unique to acute Chagas.
Shaun Yang, PhD, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, noted that this symptom can serve as an early warning, though many cases go unnoticed.
If untreated, Chagas disease can progress to chronic stages that affect the cardiovascular and digestive systems. According to the CDC, between 20% and 30% of infected individuals may eventually develop severe complications, including heart failure, enlarged organs, or cardiac arrest.
Call to Classify Chagas as Endemic in the U.S.
The CDC has recommended that Chagas disease be classified as endemic in the United States, a term defined as the constant presence or usual prevalence of a disease within a specific geographic region. While the disease has long been considered endemic to Latin America, its spread across multiple US States indicates a shifting public health landscape.
Experts stress the importance of early detection and increased awareness among both medical professionals and the public. Because the disease often remains silent for years, improved screening could prevent long-term complications and save lives.
Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening illness transmitted by the insect commonly called the “kissing bug,” has spread to 32 states across the United States, according to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human infections have been confirmed in at least eight states, raising alarm among public health officials that the parasite is becoming a domestic threat rather than an imported one.
The disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is most often transmitted when the insect bites a person’s face and leaves behind infectious material that enters the bloodstream through scratching. Although the infection can be treated if detected early, most people carrying the parasite remain undiagnosed until it is too late for effective treatment.
States Reporting Human and Animal Cases
The CDC confirmed human infections in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and California. In Los Angeles County alone, an estimated 45,000 people could be living with Chagas disease, though fewer than 2% are aware of their condition.
Beyond human cases, infected animals have been documented in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland. This widespread presence of the parasite in both humans and animals suggests that the risk of transmission is far greater than previously thought.
“Most people living with Chagas disease are unaware of their diagnosis, often until it’s too late to have effective treatment,” said Judith Currier, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UCLA Health.
Symptoms and Long-Term Risks
Chagas disease begins with acute symptoms that may resemble common illnesses such as fever, fatigue, headaches, body aches, diarrhea, or vomiting. A telltale sign of early infection is significant swelling of one eyelid, a condition experts describe as nearly unique to acute Chagas.
Shaun Yang, PhD, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, noted that this symptom can serve as an early warning, though many cases go unnoticed.
If untreated, Chagas disease can progress to chronic stages that affect the cardiovascular and digestive systems. According to the CDC, between 20% and 30% of infected individuals may eventually develop severe complications, including heart failure, enlarged organs, or cardiac arrest.
Call to Classify Chagas as Endemic in the U.S.
The CDC has recommended that Chagas disease be classified as endemic in the United States, a term defined as the constant presence or usual prevalence of a disease within a specific geographic region. While the disease has long been considered endemic to Latin America, its spread across multiple US States indicates a shifting public health landscape.
Experts stress the importance of early detection and increased awareness among both medical professionals and the public. Because the disease often remains silent for years, improved screening could prevent long-term complications and save lives.
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