A dangerous parasitic disease called Chagas is spreading fast in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm. Carried by blood-sucking insects known as kissing bugs, this infection has now reached 32 states, with hundreds of thousands of Americans possibly infected without even knowing it.
What Are Kissing Bugs?
Kissing bugs, also called conenose or vampire bugs, are small, flat insects about an inch long. They get their creepy name because they often bite people on the face while they sleep. These bugs carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which they spread through their feces. The parasite causes Chagas disease, a serious condition that can harm your heart and other organs if left untreated.
Why Is Chagas Disease a Growing Concern?
The CDC reports only 29 confirmed Chagas cases in the US between 2000 and 2018, but experts believe the real number is much higher. Many people don’t know they’re infected until it’s too late for effective treatment. “Most people with Chagas disease don’t realize they have it until serious damage occurs,” says Judith Currier, an infectious disease expert from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Chagas disease is a global problem, affecting up to 8 million people, mostly in Latin America. But with climate change warming temperatures, kissing bugs are finding new homes in the US, spreading the parasite further north. About half of these bugs carry the Chagas parasite, making them a growing threat.
How Does Chagas Spread?
Kissing bugs aren’t the only way Chagas spreads. The parasite can also pass through:
- Contaminated food or drinks
- Blood transfusions or organ donations
- From mother to baby during pregnancy
Pets and wildlife, like dogs and raccoons, can also carry the parasite, acting as reservoirs that keep the disease circulating.
Symptoms to Watch For
Many people with Chagas don’t notice symptoms at first. But some may experience:
- Swollen eyelids
- Fever and fatigue
- Body aches and headaches
- Loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting
If untreated during the early “acute” phase (within two months), Chagas can settle into the heart or digestive system, causing severe damage. Up to 30% of infected people develop serious heart or organ problems over time.
Why Early Detection Matters
“The disease is underdiagnosed,” says cardiologist Salvador Hernandez. “If we catch it early, we can cure most patients. But without screening, people end up needing costly treatments or even die.” The CDC wants to classify Chagas as an endemic disease in the US to boost awareness and encourage early testing and treatment.
How to Protect Yourself
You can lower your risk of encountering kissing bugs with simple steps:
- Use insect repellent, especially at night
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Clear clutter like woodpiles near your home
What’s Next?
Scientists are worried that climate change is expanding the range of kissing bugs, making Chagas a bigger threat. While more research is needed to confirm this trend, the CDC’s latest report, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, shows the disease is already well-established in US wildlife and pets.
Stay informed and take precautions to keep you and your family safe from this hidden danger. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a kissing bug or notice unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested for Chagas disease.
