The triatomine insect \u2014 often called the “kissing bug” \u2014 has now been reported in 32 states<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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TUESDAY, Sept. 9, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Chagas disease \u2014 a potentially serious illness spread by an insect called the \u201ckissing bug\u201d \u2014 may be establishing itself in the United States, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report<\/a>.<\/p>\n The disease is common in 21 countries in the Americas, but growing evidence suggests it may also be becoming endemic in the U.S.<\/p>\n “Autochthonous (or, locally acquired) human cases have been reported in eight states, most notably in Texas. Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting,” the authors wrote in the CDC\u2019s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n The triatomine insect \u2014 often called the “kissing bug” \u2014 has now been reported in 32 states, according to CBS News<\/em>.<\/p>\n Most reported U.S. cases are in Texas, but others have been documented in California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.<\/p>\n While researchers aren\u2019t sure if kissing bugs are spreading more widely, the insects are being spotted more often. Experts say this is owing to more human encounters and better research.<\/p>\n Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi<\/em> parasite, which lives in kissing bugs and can infect both humans and animals.<\/p>\n The bugs get their nickname because they often bite people on the face while they sleep. After biting, they leave droppings containing the parasite, according to UCLA Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n “People might scratch or rub bug feces into a bite wound, their eyes or mouth without realizing it, which allows the parasite to enter their body,” the CDC says.<\/p>\n An estimated 8 million people<\/a> worldwide and 280,000 in the U.S. have Chagas disease<\/a>, often without knowing it. The illness doesn’t spread through casual contact and is not passed person to person like a common cold.<\/p>\n Chagas disease has two stages:<\/p>\n Acute phase:<\/strong> Shortly after infection, people may develop fever, eyelid swelling (Roma\u00f1a\u2019s sign), fatigue, body aches, rash, diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Chronic phase:<\/strong> If untreated, the parasite can damage the heart, esophagus or colon years after infection, sometimes causing serious health issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Some people never show symptoms, the CDC says.<\/p>\n There is no vaccine to prevent Chagas disease, so experts recommend people protect themselves:<\/p>\n Use insect repellent and wear clothes that cover the skin.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stay in well-built places when traveling (such as screened or air-conditioned hotel rooms).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that may be contaminated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Seal windows and remove piles of wood, rocks and trash near homes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Mayo Clinic has more on Chagas disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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