CDC says kissing bug disease is endemic in the U.S., where it can lurk in the heart for decades

Key Points:

• The CDC now recognizes Chagas disease as endemic in the United States, shifting the perception from it being solely an imported illness, based on a 2025 study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases.
• Researchers have identified 11 species of "kissing bugs" capable of spreading Chagas across 32 states, with southern and southwestern states, especially Texas, reporting higher numbers of locally acquired cases.
• Chagas disease often presents mild or no symptoms initially, but can cause severe heart and digestive complications decades after infection, with an estimated 300,000 Americans living with the disease, many undiagnosed.
• Despite the risks, routine testing for Chagas remains limited, with only a few states mandating case reporting, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment in many patients.
• The CDC has updated guidelines for healthcare providers and public health agencies, recommending preventive measures in affected areas and noting that anti-parasitic treatments like benznidazole and nifurtimox are available, especially effective in acute cases and children.