'Kissing Bug' spreads in US: What is deadly Chagas disease, symptoms, risks, prevention tips and more

A once little-known parasitic illness, Chagas disease, is quietly spreading in the United States and posing deadly risks. Transmitted by the “kissing bug”—a blood-sucking insect that feeds around the face—this disease is now confirmed in dozens of states, including California, Texas, and Florida. Previously considered rare and mostly confined to Latin America, Chagas is now being detected in at least 32 US states, with confirmed human cases in eight states. Experts are urging its classification as an endemic disease in the US.

How Chagas Disease Spreads
Chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, carried by triatomine insects (kissing bugs). Transmission happens when the insect bites a person, usually while they sleep, and defecates near the bite site. If the parasite-laden feces enter the body through a scratch, skin contact, or mucous membranes, infection occurs.

Stages of Chagas Disease
1. Acute Phase (Early Stage)

• Lasts for weeks to months.
• Symptoms are often mild or absent, making diagnosis difficult.
• Possible signs: fever, fatigue, body aches, rash, digestive discomfort, swollen eyelids (Romaña’s sign), and headache.
• Because symptoms mimic common illnesses, many people remain unaware they are infected.

2. Chronic Phase (Late Stage)

• Appears decades later in 20–30% of infected individuals.
• Can lead to serious heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
• May also cause digestive issues, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon.
• For some, the first sign of infection is a life-threatening event like a heart attack or stroke.

Risk Factors

• Living in or near southern/rural US regions like Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, and Louisiana.
• Sleeping outdoors or in poorly constructed housing.
• Receiving infected blood transfusions or organ transplants.
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
• Exposure to wildlife reservoirs or infected pets.

Why Chagas Disease Often Goes Undetected

• Low physician awareness and limited routine screening.
• Silent early infection leads to undiagnosed cases.
• Lack of public knowledge about the disease’s spread.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis: Blood tests detect parasites during the acute phase or antibodies in chronic cases. Testing is crucial if you live in an affected area or experience unexplained symptoms.

Treatment: Antiparasitic drugs like benznidazole and nifurtimox are most effective when taken early, curing up to 80–100% of acute or congenital cases.

Prevention: How to Stay Safe

• Avoid kissing bugs: Seal cracks, maintain window screens, and remove outdoor debris or animal nests.
• Vector control: Use insecticides, fumigation, and protective bed netting in high-risk areas.
• Screening: Get tested if you live in a risk zone or suspect exposure.
• Safe blood and organ supply: Ensure thorough screening for transfusions and transplants.

[With TOI inputs]