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First locally acquired case of Chagas Disease reported in San Diego County
NBC 7 San Diego • • health
Key Points:
- San Diego County public health officials announced the first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, identified through routine blood donation screening of an asymptomatic donor.
- Chagas disease is typically more common in rural Latin America, spread by the kissing bug, but in San Diego, the bug usually lives in rodent nests, making outdoor activities like camping potential risk factors.
- Early infection often shows mild or no symptoms, but untreated cases can lead to serious heart and gastrointestinal complications years later; the disease can also be transmitted from mother to infant during pregnancy.
- Since making Chagas disease locally reportable in 2024, San Diego County has received 22 reports, with four confirmed cases, including the first locally acquired infection.
- Health officials recommend protective measures for travelers to endemic areas and encourage screening for people who have lived in Latin America, particularly pregnant women.
