Researchers say infection rates are rising in the U.S. Southwest<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2026 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Researchers in the Southwest are raising new concerns about Chagas disease after finding some very high infection rates in the insects that spread it.<\/p>\n
Scientists from University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) collected kissing bugs near homes and outdoor spaces along the U.S.-Mexico border. Many of the insects were carrying Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi)<\/em>, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.<\/p>\n Chagas affects an estimated 6 million people worldwide. It often causes no symptoms for years, but over time it can lead to serious heart and digestive problems.<\/p>\n \u201cThe infection prevalence in kissing bugs has risen significantly, from 63.3% in a study we conducted in 2021 to now 88.5%, indicating a marked upward trend. T. cruzi<\/em> infections appear to be increasing,\u201d Rosa Maldonado<\/a>, a biology professor at UTEP who led the study, said in a news release.<\/p>\n The findings were published recently in the journal Epidemiology & Infection<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n For the study, researchers collected 26 kissing bugs from locations in El Paso County, Texas, and southern New Mexico.<\/p>\n Bugs were found in yards, under garden furniture, near firewood piles and in public places such as parks and schools.<\/p>\n Of those insects, 22 tested positive for the parasite, meaning nearly 9 of 10 were infected.<\/p>\n A similar study by the same team in 2021 found that about 66% of kissing bugs in the region carried the parasite.<\/p>\n The researchers say the results suggest Chagas disease is a growing public health concern in the Southwest.<\/p>\n The illness was once mainly found in Latin America, but evidence shows the risk is rising in the U.S.<\/p>\n Maldonado said there are simple ways people can lower their risk:<\/p>\n Seal cracks and gaps where bugs could enter homes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Remove woodpiles and debris near the house.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keep pets indoors when possible, as the bugs can also infect furry companions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Install screens on windows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Turn off outdoor lights at night, because they can attract insects.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The research team plans to study whether people living in the El Paso area may already be carrying the parasite, even if they don\u2019t show any symptoms.<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on chagas disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n SOURCE: University of Texas at El Paso, news release, Jan. 6, 2026<\/p>\n\n