CDC Warns “Kissing Bug” Disease Now Endemic in 32 States

Lead The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared Chagas disease-spread by blood-sucking “kissing bugs”-endemic across 32 U.S. states as of September 8, 2025, raising alarm over hundreds of thousands of undiagnosed infections.

Nut Graf Once confined to Latin America, Chagas disease is now locally transmitted in multiple regions of the United States, prompting the CDC to urge heightened surveillance, public education, and early treatment to prevent severe cardiac and digestive complications.

Spread and Detection

  • Trypanosoma cruzi parasite transmitted by triatomine insects (“kissing bugs”) has been confirmed in 32 states.
  • Locally acquired human cases have been reported in eight states, including Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas.
  • An estimated 300,000 Americans carry the parasite, yet fewer than 2% are aware of their status.

Transmission and Symptoms

Triatomine bugs feed on blood at night and defecate while biting. Parasites enter the body when feces contact mucous membranes or wounds during scratching. Initial acute symptoms may include:

  • Fever and fatigue
  • Headache and body aches
  • Rash and swollen eyelid (Romaña’s sign) Many infections remain asymptomatic for years before chronic heart or gastrointestinal disease develops.

Geographic Expansion and Risk Factors

Climate change and urban encroachment have extended kissing bug habitats northward. Insect reservoirs have been documented in wildlife (opossums, raccoons, rodents) and domestic dogs across affected regions. Homes with cracks, thatched roofs or outdoor pets face higher infestation risk.

Prevention and Control

  • Seal cracks in walls, windows and doors to block insect entry.
  • Use screens and reduce outdoor lighting at night.
  • Collect indoor bugs safely-freeze specimens before disposal-and disinfect contact areas with a 10% bleach solution.

Treatment and Awareness

Early anti-parasitic therapy with benznidazole or nifurtimox can clear infection; treatment efficacy declines once chronic complications arise. The CDC recommends reclassifying Chagas as endemic to boost physician training and blood-donor screening protocols.

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