A silent but dangerous threat is creeping into the United States: Chagas disease, often called the “kissing bug” disease. Once thought to be a problem limited to Latin America, new research suggests this deadly illness is gaining ground in the U.S…. and health experts are sounding the alarm.
According to a recent CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report, Chagas disease is already widespread in 21 countries across the Americas. Now, mounting evidence shows the parasite responsible for the infection is quietly spreading within U.S. borders.
So far, locally acquired cases have been confirmed in at least eight states, with Texas reporting the highest numbers. Other states with confirmed human infections include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The insect carrier itself, the triatomine bug, has now been spotted in 32 states.
The disease is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which kissing bugs carry in their droppings. After biting a person—often on the face, near the eyes, or mouth—the insect’s feces can accidentally be rubbed into the wound, allowing the parasite to enter the body.
The CDC estimates over 8 million people worldwide have Chagas disease, including about 280,000 in the U.S., many of whom don’t even know they’re infected. Unlike a cold or flu, Chagas is not spread person-to-person and can only be transmitted through direct exposure to the parasite.
Symptoms to watch for… in its early stage (acute phase), symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue and body aches
- Headache and rash
- Loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Swelling around the eyelid (known as Romaña’s sign)
In some cases, people remain symptom-free for years. But in the chronic stage, Chagas can cause severe heart and digestive problems, and in many cases, it becomes life-threatening without treatment.
