Chagas Disease: A Silent Threat in the U.S.

It’s one of the most hazardous diseases you’ve likely never heard of, but Chagas disease is present in 29 states, including california and across the United States.

Each year,Chagas claims lives in Latin America. Researchers estimate that nearly 300,000 people in the U.S. are unaware they’re infected.

The disease can remain hidden for years, ofen only detected when a victim suffers a heart attack, stroke, or even dies.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, spread by “kissing bugs.” There are roughly 10 species of these bugs in the U.S., and California is known to harbor the parasite. In some areas, like Griffith Park in Los Angeles, about one-third of the bugs carry Chagas.

Experts from organizations like the World Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are calling for increased awareness, education, and public health investment in the U.S.

“This is a neglected disease that has affected Latin America for decades,” explains one researcher. “But it’s also here in the united States.”

Salvador Hernandez, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in northern California, described a case involving a patient who hadn’t traveled outside the country. The patient contracted the disease from a kissing bug right in their own neighborhood.

The parasites have also been found in local wildlife, including wood rats, opossums, and mice in Griffith Park.

“Kissing bugs are essentially looking for a blood meal,” Hernandez said.

“This means the tank T. cruzi is looking for a host,” he added.