Chagas disease in the U.S. is drawing growing concern as health officials confirm its spread to 32 states. The illness, transmitted by the “kissing bug,” has quietly expanded far beyond its traditional range in Latin America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Chagas disease in the U.S. linked to the “kissing bug” now detected in 32 states

• Human infections confirmed in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and California

• Animal infections reported in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland

• CDC estimates over 300,000 infections nationwide, yet fewer than 2% of patients know they are affected

• Symptoms range from fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and body aches to severe eyelid swelling

• Up to 30% of patients risk long-term heart and digestive damage

Silent Spread Across the Country

The triatomine insect, commonly called the “kissing bug” because it tends to bite people on the face while they sleep, is at the center of the outbreak. Once rare in the U.S., the insect has been detected across the South and parts of the Midwest, carrying with it the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the direct cause of Chagas disease.

The CDC reports that human infections have been confirmed in eight states, while animal cases indicate a much wider spread. The agency warns that many people may already be infected but remain unaware.

A Hidden Public Health Threat

According to estimates from UCLA Health, more than 300,000 people in the U.S. could be living with Chagas disease, including about 45,000 cases in Los Angeles County alone.

Dr. Judith Currier, chief of infectious diseases at UCLA Health, explained the challenge:

“Most people living with Chagas disease are unaware of their diagnosis, often until it’s too late to have effective treatment.”

This lack of awareness is a central reason the disease continues to spread undetected.

How the Infection Happens

The disease is transmitted in a unique way. After biting the skin, the “kissing bug” leaves behind feces containing the parasite. Scratching the irritated area allows the parasite to enter the bloodstream, beginning the infection.

Shaun Yang, PhD, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, described one of the most recognizable early warning signs:

“Severe eyelid swelling is almost a hallmark of acute Chagas infection.”

Other early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, body aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Long-Term Consequences of Chagas Disease in the U.S.

The greatest concern, experts warn, is not just the initial illness but the potential for long-term health complications. The CDC reports that 20% to 30% of those infected may develop chronic conditions, particularly affecting the heart and digestive system.

This can include an enlarged heart, colon, or esophagus, as well as life-threatening conditions such as heart failure or cardiac arrest. For many patients, these problems appear years after the initial infection, making early detection critical.

Calls to Classify the Disease as Endemic

The CDC has recommended classifying Chagas disease in the U.S. as “endemic,” meaning it is a constant and ongoing public health presence rather than an imported condition. Until now, Chagas disease has been considered endemic only to Latin America.

Health officials argue that with hundreds of thousands of potential cases already present, recognition as endemic is essential for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Comes Next

While treatments for Chagas disease do exist, they are most effective when administered early. Public health experts stress that greater awareness is needed among doctors and patients alike.

For now, the disease continues to spread silently, carried by an insect whose bite often goes unnoticed. The presence of the “kissing bug” in dozens of states suggests that Chagas disease in the U.S. may become a long-term challenge — one that requires urgent recognition before more lives are at risk.

Chagas disease in the U.S. is no longer just a distant threat. With the “kissing bug” spreading across dozens of states and hundreds of thousands potentially infected, awareness and early detection are crucial. Health experts urge vigilance, timely diagnosis, and preventive measures to curb this silent but growing public health risk.

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