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CDC Review Maps Chagas-Carrying ‘Kissing Bugs’ in 32 States as U.S. Infections Confirmed in Eight

Researchers say an endemic designation would unlock stronger surveillance to catch infections earlier.

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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.
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Overview

  • An analysis in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documents triatomines carrying Trypanosoma cruzi in 32 states and confirms locally acquired human infections in Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.
  • The study’s authors are urging the CDC and WHO to recognize hypoendemic transmission in parts of the U.S. to drive coordinated surveillance, clinician training and targeted screening where reporting is inconsistent.
  • Estimates indicate more than 300,000 people in the U.S. may be infected and fewer than 2% know it, with UCLA Health citing about 45,000 infections in Los Angeles County.
  • In Texas, investigators recorded over 50 locally acquired human cases from 2013 to 2023 and found kennel dog infection rates up to 31%, with wildlife hosts pointing to established environmental transmission.
  • Chagas often presents with few or no early symptoms, yet 20–30% of infections lead to serious heart or digestive disease; benznidazole and nifurtimox are approved treatments and work best when given early.