Kissing Bugs Spread Deadly Chagas Disease Across 32 US States

Kissing bugs, blood-feeding insects found across the southern United States and parts of North America, are increasingly recognized as carriers of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. This parasitic infection, often called a 'silent killer,' is transmitted primarily through the feces of infected bugs entering bite wounds or mucous membranes, and can lead to severe chronic conditions such as heart failure and digestive problems. Human cases have been confirmed in at least eight U.S. states, including California, Texas, and Arizona, prompting experts to advocate for the classification of Chagas disease as endemic in the country to enhance awareness, surveillance, and public health responses. Climate change and environmental factors like deforestation may be expanding the habitat of kissing bugs, increasing the risk of transmission. Many infected individuals remain undiagnosed due to the disease's long dormant period and low awareness among healthcare providers, making early detection through screening critical. Efforts to educate the public and healthcare professionals emphasize prevention, symptom recognition, and timely medical intervention to mitigate potentially fatal outcomes.