A team of scientists says Chagas disease—sometimes called “kissing bug disease”—should officially be considered endemic in the United States.
The condition, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and spread by blood-sucking insects known as kissing bugs, has been detected often enough to meet the definition of a regularly occurring disease, researchers argue in a new study.
Since 2013, Texas A&M University’s Kissing Bug Community Science program has logged around 10,000 reports of kissing bugs across 31 states. About half of the bugs tested carried the Chagas parasite, according to Sarah Hamer, a professor at Texas A&M’s Veterinary Integrative Biosciences.
In eight states, humans have been infected without traveling abroad—meaning the disease was contracted locally. Still, Chagas disease is not on the federal list of nationally notifiable diseases, so there is no official nationwide data on cases.
What Is Chagas Disease?
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which kissing bugs can carry. After biting an infected host, the bug can pass the parasite in its droppings. If the droppings touch a cut, the eyes, or the mouth, infection can occur.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Chagas develops in two stages:
Acute Phase (first weeks or months):
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Swollen eyelid (known as Romãna’s sign)
Chronic Phase (years or lifelong):
- Enlarged heart, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or sudden death
- Digestive problems, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, leading to eating and bathroom difficulties
The CDC says 20–30% of people infected develop serious long-term complications.
Who Should Be Tested?
Testing is recommended for people who have:
- Lived or traveled in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, or South America
- A family history of Chagas disease
Blood tests can detect infection. Treatments include antiparasitic drugs to kill the parasite and symptom-based care to manage complications.
What Are Kissing Bugs?
Kissing bugs, or triatomines, are nocturnal insects that feed on blood. They bite humans, pets, and wildlife, but do not attach like ticks.
- Native to the Americas, 11 species exist in the US
- Adult bugs are about ½ to 1 inch long
- They can live up to 2 years and feed many times during their lifespan