A new CDC report suggests Chagas disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by kissing bugs, may be spreading across the United States. The report highlights the growing evidence of the parasite's presence and calls for increased awareness and reporting.
Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted through the bite of infected triatomine insects commonly known as ' kissing bugs ,' may be becoming endemic in the United States , according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ).
The report, published in the September issue of the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, indicates that Chagas disease is already endemic to 21 countries in the Americas. Evidence suggesting the parasite's presence in the U.S. is challenging the previously held non-endemic status.The report highlights that autochthonous (locally acquired) cases of Chagas disease have been identified in 8 states, with Texas being the most significantly affected. Labeling the United States as non-endemic, the report argues, perpetuates low awareness and underreporting of the disease. Notably, the kissing bug has been reported in 32 states, further expanding the potential for transmission. Other states with documented human cases include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.While acknowledging that data remains inadequate to definitively confirm an increase in the distribution or abundance of these insects, the report emphasizes that they are increasingly recognized due to more frequent human encounters and intensified research efforts. Factors contributing to this increased awareness include: the invasion of homes by kissing bugs, human bites, subsequent allergic reactions, exposure to T. cruzi parasites, and an uptick in canine diagnoses. The report confirms that Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite found in triatomine insects, often nicknamed 'kissing bugs' because they typically bite people on the face.According to UCLA Health, approximately 8 million people globally and 280,000 in the United States have Chagas disease, often unknowingly. Infection can occur when individuals accidentally scratch or rub bug feces into a bite wound, their eyes, or mouths, allowing the parasite to enter their bodies. The CDC explains that bugs transmit the parasite through their droppings after biting a person or animal. If these droppings come into contact with a cut in the skin or near the eyes or mouth, infection can result.Chagas disease is not contagious like a cold, nor does it spread through casual contact with infected individuals. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms of Chagas disease in adults can manifest in two phases: acute and chronic. During the acute phase, shortly after infection, a type of eyelid swelling known as Romaña's sign may appear. This occurs when the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite enters the eyelid, usually through accidentally rubbing bug feces into the eye or a bug bite near the eye.Other acute signs may include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Individuals may experience symptoms for years or a lifetime during the chronic phase of infection, which can involve heart and digestive issues. Infectious disease physician Tom Moore explained to CBS News Philadelphia in 2019 that the disease can destroy the nerves supplying various body parts, including the heart, esophagus, and colon. In both phases, some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may face serious health problems.Currently, there are no vaccines or medications to prevent Chagas disease, according to the CDC. Therefore, taking preventive measures is crucial. These measures include staying in well-constructed accommodations when traveling, using insecticides and insect repellent, wearing protective clothing covering the skin, and avoiding consuming raw fruits and vegetables, as infection can also occur orally through contaminated food. Experts have previously advised CBS News Philadelphia that homeowners can reduce risk by sealing windows and keeping trash, wood piles, and rocks away from their homes
Chagas Disease Kissing Bugs Parasite CDC Endemic United States Trypanosoma Cruzi
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