Chagas disease spreading in U.S.: Kissing bugs found in California and other states

Health officials warn that a little-known disease called Chagas disease is spreading in the U.S., especially in California. A new study published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found human cases of Chagas disease in eight U.S. states and recommends classifying it as endemic.

The study authors said, “Acknowledging the endemicity of Chagas disease in the United States is crucial for achieving global health goals”. The CDC defines “endemic” as when a disease has a constant presence or usual prevalence in a specific area so basically, the normal “baseline” level in a community, as per the reports.

What is Chagas disease

Known to be rampant in South and Central America, Chagas is a fairly common disease known to have an uncommon diagnosis, and is now spreading among animals in the Southern United States as well. A parasite named T Cruzi—carried by triatomine bugs—spreads the disease, entering the human body through eyes or mouth when the bug leaves its feces either through a bite or a mere contact, Fox News reported. It’s also called the kissing bug.


Lead study author Dr. Norman Beatty explained, "Sometimes it can ‘poop’ on our skin or mucous membrane while feeding, and then the parasite enters at that site. The bug’s feces can also end up inside or near a home and then be incidentally ingested or rubbed into the skin or mucous membrane."

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The disease has two stages, first acute phase: happens shortly after infection; may cause fever, fatigue, rash, body aches, and lymph node swelling. Chronic phase: can lead to heart problems, digestive issues, and neurological effects; around 20-30% may have potentially fatal heart or digestive problems.

Romaña's sign or eyelid swelling is a common symptom of the Chagas, with over 300,000 people in the grip of the bug infest in the US. The disease is most common in states where kissing bugs live near humans, including California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, as per the report by Fox News.

Why Chagas is dangerous

A key point is that most in the US remain aloof to the fact that Chagas in fact originates from the spread of the bugs—making it a “silent killer”. Dr. Beatty says that declaring Chagas as endemic along with educating the public and professionals with well funded research and monitoring programs is the need of the hour.

Chagas has been termed as a “neglected tropical disease” by most experts, including Dr. Beatty. She believes that large-scale awareness is still needed in the rural and remote lands about the spread of the disease. Most bites occur at home or in bed, and people often send pictures of the bug to doctors for testing and prevention advice. Lab tests and treatments exist, but many clinicians don’t know the disease is spreading locally, as per the report by Fox News.

Treatment and Care

The U.S. has two approved drugs to treat Chagas: Benznidazole and Lampit (nifurtimox). A new treatment for the condition is under consideration with clinical trials underway at US and Latin America labs. However, vaccines for the Chagas are a far-fetched notion for now, with most in rural areas struggling to find doctors who even are able to aptly diagnose the disease.

Rodent nesting areas, like wood piles or clutter, need to be cleaned from homes, Dr. Beatty says, and management of Chagas should be taught to all healthcare professionals—from treatment and diagnosis to medicine. Seal doors, windows, and entry points. Use screens on windows and doors. Judicial use of residual pesticides near entry points if necessary, as per the report by Fox News.

FAQs

Q1. What is Chagas disease and how do you get it?
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite T. cruzi and spreads when kissing bugs carrying the parasite pass their feces into a bite, eye, or mouth.

Q2. Where is Chagas disease found in the U.S.?
Chagas disease has been reported in states like California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and Florida, where kissing bugs live near people.