Silent Killer on the Move: Chagas Disease Cases Rise—What You Need to Know Now

Subheadings appear with double line breaks for readability. Introduction Health officials and researchers are sounding the alarm that Chagas disease—often called the “kissing-bug disease”—is no longer just a tropical threat. New data released in September 2025 show the parasitic illness is now considered endemic in parts of the United States, with locally acquired infections confirmed in at least eight states and suspected in many more. What Is Chagas Disease? Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted primarily through the feces of triatomine insects—nicknamed “kissing bugs” because they often bite near the mouth or eyes while people sleep. The parasite can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, contaminated food, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Why Experts Now Call It Endemic in the U.S. • Autochthonous (locally acquired) human cases have been reported in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and California. • A recent CDC-backed study estimates more than 300,000 people living in the U.S. carry T. cruzi, including up to 100,000 in California alone. • Blood-donor screening programs have identified increasing numbers of asymptomatic infections, suggesting silent community transmission for decades. Symptoms to Watch Acute phase (first weeks) • Fever, fatigue, body aches • Eyelid swelling at bite site (Romaña sign) • Rash or swollen lymph nodes Chronic phase (years later) • Irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy • Enlarged esophagus or colon • Risk of sudden cardiac arrest Because 60-70 % of infected people remain symptom-free for years, Chagas disease is dubbed a “silent killer.” Who Is Most at Risk? • Residents of rural or suburban areas with woodpiles, chicken coops, or outdoor dog kennels that attract triatomine bugs • Individuals who have lived in or traveled to Latin America, where the parasite is endemic • Hunters, campers, and homeowners doing nighttime outdoor activities in the southern half of the U.S. Current Treatment Options Two antiparasitic drugs—benznidazole and nifurtimox—can cure the infection if given early, but both require a 30- to 60-day regimen and can cause side effects. Treatment in the chronic stage aims to slow cardiac and gastrointestinal damage. Experts urge anyone with possible exposure to request a blood test from their healthcare provider; FDA-approved rapid tests are now widely available. Prevention and Control Tips 1. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, attics, and roofs. 2. Install door sweeps, window screens, and weather stripping. 3. Keep outdoor lighting away from housing to avoid attracting bugs. 4. Store firewood at least 30 ft from your home and 5 in off the ground. 5. Bring pets indoors at night or use screened kennels; triatomines readily feed on dogs. 6. Support blood-bank screening initiatives and community vector-control programs. Public-Health Outlook Researchers emphasize that climate change and expanding triatomine ranges mean Chagas disease will likely spread farther north in coming decades. The CDC is reviewing whether to officially classify the illness as a nationally notifiable condition, which would trigger mandatory reporting and dedicated funding for surveillance and education. Bottom Line With rising case numbers and evidence of homegrown transmission, Chagas disease has shifted from an imported rarity to a domestic health concern. Early testing, prompt treatment, and preventive measures are crucial to curb what experts warn could become the nation’s next neglected epidemic.