Health officials in San Diego County have confirmed the region’s first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection sometimes called “kissing bug” disease.
The case was discovered through routine blood donation screening of a donor who did not have symptoms, according to county public health officials. While Chagas disease is more commonly associated with rural areas of Latin America, researchers say evidence suggests the infection is present in parts of the United States as well.
“Identifying a locally acquired Chagas case reminds us that this disease is not limited to Latin America,” Dr. Sayone Thihalilopavan, the county’s public health officer, said in a statement. “Our priority is making sure residents and healthcare providers have the information they need to stay protected.”
San Diego County officials made Chagas disease locally reportable in 2024, meaning healthcare providers and laboratories must notify the county when they identify cases. The change was intended to improve tracking and awareness of the disease. Since then, the county has received 22 reports and confirmed four cases. The case announced on Monday, July 6 is the first the county has identified as being acquired locally, meaning the infection occurred in San Diego County rather than through travel or exposure elsewhere.
Here’s what to know about Chagas disease, including how it spreads, symptoms to watch for and why researchers say the infection may be more common in the United States than previously recognized.
What Is Chagas Disease?
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can be transmitted by triatomine insects, commonly known as kissing bugs.
The insects can become carriers after feeding on an infected animal or person. They spread the parasite through their feces, which can enter the body through cuts in the skin or contact with the eyes or mouth.
In Latin America, kissing bugs often live in cracks in homes made from materials such as mud and straw. In San Diego County, officials said the species found locally typically lives in rodent nests, making outdoor activities such as camping a potential exposure risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Chagas or the ‘Kissing Bug Disease’?
Many people infected with Chagas disease experience no symptoms or only mild illness during the early stages. Symptoms can include fever, headache, cough, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite or swelling near the bite site.
Some infections can remain unnoticed for years. About 30% to 40% of infected people may eventually develop serious complications affecting the heart or digestive system decades later, including an enlarged heart, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure or digestive tract problems, NBC San Diego reported.
The disease can also be passed from a pregnant person to an infant if the infection is untreated.
Researchers Say Disease May Be Underrecognized in the US
A group of researchers recently argued that Chagas disease should be considered endemic in the United States, meaning it regularly occurs in certain areas.
Researchers from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, the University of California and the Texas Department of State Health Services examined reports of kissing bugs across the country. Since 2013, Texas A&M University’s Kissing Bug Community Science program has received reports of about 10,000 kissing bugs from 31 states.
Testing found about half of a subset of those insects carried the parasite that causes Chagas disease, according to Sarah Hamer, a Texas A&M professor involved in the research. Human cases acquired within the U.S. have been reported in eight states.
There is no national reporting system tracking all Chagas cases because the disease is not federally classified as a nationally notifiable condition.
How Can People Protect Themselves?
Health officials recommend travelers visiting areas where Chagas disease is common wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, sleep indoors, use insecticide-treated bed nets and avoid unpeeled or uncooked fruits and vegetables.
People who have lived in parts of Latin America where Chagas is common may also consider screening, especially pregnant women, NBC San Diego reported.
Reporting by Anthony Thompson and Greta Cross, USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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