Experts Urge U.S. to Officially Recognize Chagas Disease as Endemic

Lead Experts urged U.S. health authorities today to officially declare Chagas disease endemic after kissing bugs carrying the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite were detected in 32 states and eight local transmission cases confirmed.

Nut Graf Chagas disease, once considered a tropical illness confined to Latin America, now poses a growing domestic threat. Rising sightings of infected triatomine insects-commonly known as kissing bugs-have prompted calls for expanded surveillance and public health action to prevent further spread.

Main Part

Scope of the Threat Kissing bugs have been documented in 32 U.S. states, with Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California reporting the highest diversity and infection rates. At least eight Americans have contracted Chagas disease through local insect bites, underscoring the parasite’s foothold beyond traditional endemic regions.

Transmission and Symptoms

  • Transmission occurs when infected bug feces enter bite wounds, eyes or mouth, introducing the T. cruzi parasite into the bloodstream.
  • The acute phase can present mild flu-like symptoms or Romaña’s sign-swelling of the eyelid-while the chronic phase, which may develop decades later, can lead to life-threatening cardiac and digestive complications.

Geographic Spread While Southern states remain hotspots, kissing bugs have been found invading homes in 12 Florida counties, where 30% of collected bugs tested positive for T. cruzi in a recent ten-year study by the University of Florida and Texas A&M researchers.

Calls for Action Researchers are pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to:

  • Classify Chagas disease as endemic in the United States.
  • Enhance reporting requirements and vector surveillance programs.
  • Increase clinician awareness for early diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive Measures Health experts advise residents in affected areas to:

  • Seal cracks and gaps in home exteriors.
  • Remove brush and wood piles near sleeping areas.
  • Use insecticide treatments and bed netting at night.
  • Seek medical testing if unexplained cardiac or digestive symptoms arise after potential exposure.

Subheading: Rising Public Concern Public health specialists warn that without prompt recognition and response, Chagas disease could impose long-term burdens on U.S. healthcare systems, particularly in the South where kissing bugs thrive. Heightened awareness, preventive actions and medical readiness remain crucial to containing this silent but deadly threat.