The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling on the U.S. to classify Chagas disease as an endemic illness, as new cases are being reported in eight states, including Missouri, Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Tennessee, and others.
Commonly known as the “kissing bug disease”, Chagas is already considered endemic in 21 countries worldwide. In the U.S., the infection is linked to the Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose Kissing Bug (Triatoma sanguisuga), a blood-feeding insect native to many southern regions.
How Chagas Disease Spreads
According to the CDC, Chagas disease — or American trypanosomiasis — is caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It spreads through several routes:
-
Vectorborne transmission — occurs when people come into contact with the feces of infected kissing bugs.
-
Congenital transmission — from mother to baby during pregnancy.
-
Oral transmission — through contaminated food or drink.
Triatomine insects, commonly known as kissing bugs, are naturally found in the southern half of the U.S. and have been identified in 32 states.
Why the CDC Wants the Status Changed
Currently, the U.S. is labeled “non-endemic” for Chagas disease, but CDC researchers say this designation fails to reflect its growing presence.
“We propose that Chagas disease in the United States be classified as endemic and, more specifically, hypoendemic,” researchers wrote in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal.
“Labeling the U.S. as Chagas disease–endemic will raise awareness for this neglected disease across its affected regions.”
Although the U.S. does not yet face infection levels as high as Latin America, experts stress that increased surveillance, testing, and awareness are critical to preventing further spread.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Chagas progresses in two phases — acute and chronic — with symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.
Acute Phase (lasts weeks):
-
Swelling at the infection site
-
Fever and fatigue
-
Rash and body aches
-
Eyelid swelling
-
Headache and loss of appetite
-
Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
-
Swollen glands
-
Enlarged liver or spleen
Chronic Phase (may appear 10–20 years later):
-
Irregular heartbeat or heart failure
-
Sudden cardiac arrest
-
Difficulty swallowing
-
Stomach pain or constipation
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
