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15h ago

CDC Review Finds Chagas Transmission Across U.S., Authors Urge Endemic Status

Endemic recognition would trigger standardized surveillance, targeted screening, earlier treatment.

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There are about 200 species of kissing bugs around the world, including 11 that have been identified in the U.S., according to UC Berkeley researcher Bernardo Moreno Peniche. Nine of them have been found to be infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The dead bugs pictured here were in Texas.

Overview

  • A CDC-published literature review reports triatomine insects carrying Trypanosoma cruzi in 32 states, indicating broad vector presence.
  • Locally acquired human infections are confirmed in eight states, with California and Texas among those documenting transmission.
  • Texas logged more than 50 locally acquired cases from 2013 to 2023, and some dog kennels showed infection rates near 31%.
  • Most states do not require reporting of Chagas disease, contributing to undercounting as experts estimate roughly 300,000 infections nationwide.
  • Two approved antiparasitic drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are most effective early; transmission can also occur congenitally and via blood or organ donation.