Chagas Disease Considered Endemic in Parts of the U.S.

MISSOURI, USA — Chagas disease, a dangerous illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is now considered endemic in certain regions of the United States, experts warn. A recent report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the growing presence of this neglected tropical disease, which is mainly transmitted by triatomine bugs, commonly known as kissing bugs.

Traditionally associated with rural areas of Latin America, Chagas disease is increasingly being recognized in U.S. states such as Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. The shift in status suggests local transmission is occurring, and experts believe enhanced awareness and response efforts are crucial.

Dr. Norman Beatty, co-author of the study and researcher at the University of Florida, emphasized the need for recognition of Chagas in U.S. communities. “We’ve been waiting forever; all of us Chagas people have been waiting for people to recognize this disease is in our communities,” Beatty said. Early symptoms can be mild but may escalate to serious health issues if untreated, affecting the heart, digestive system, and nervous system.

The disease is transmitted when people come into contact with the feces of infected kissing bugs, often during sleep. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, rash, and fatigue, typically going unnoticed until significant organ damage has occurred. According to the CDC, 20% to 30% of those infected with Chagas may suffer from life-threatening conditions years later.

The new report estimates that approximately 280,000 people in the U.S. are currently living with Chagas disease. However, the actual numbers could be higher as many cases remain undiagnosed. “Once chronic damage sets in, treatment becomes harder,” Beatty noted, calling for improved training for healthcare providers to recognize the signs of Chagas.

Dr. Mario J. Grijalva, another expert in the field, stressed the importance of establishing Chagas as an endemic disease, arguing that the recognition could spur necessary funding and public health initiatives. “It’s a game-changer, at least in terms of the public policy possibilities and the awareness that is required to properly address this complicated issue,” Grijalva stated.

The spread of kissing bugs in the U.S. has been facilitated by climate change and alterations in habitat, with scientists identifying the bugs in 32 states. The risk is particularly high in southern regions where conditions favor their presence.

Beatty advised that preventive measures, including sealing homes and surveying living spaces for potential hidden habitats, may help mitigate the risk of encounters with kissing bugs. However, there is currently no specific insecticide approved exclusively for targeting kissing bugs in the United States.

As awareness efforts increase, experts hope to inspire more robust testing and surveillance strategies—similar to those in place for other insect-borne diseases—while training healthcare providers to recognize the disease earlier. “We need to do more,” Beatty added, reflecting on the ongoing challenges posed by this silent threat.