Overview

• Triatomine “kissing bugs” carrying T. cruzi are established across about 32 states, with infection detected in nine of 11 U.S. species and in wildlife and dogs.
• Locally acquired human infections have been confirmed in eight states: California, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.
• The CDC cites roughly 280,000 U.S. infections and notes that published counts of 29 confirmed and 47 suspected local cases since 2000 likely understate the true burden.
• Transmission occurs when infected bug feces enter skin breaks or the eye, and the parasite can also spread via blood transfusion, organ transplants and from mother to baby.
• Benznidazole and nifurtimox are most effective when given early, and CDC guidance calls for diagnosis with two different antibody tests to confirm infection.