Map shows where deadly ‘kissing bug’ is spreading in the US

Chagas disease is spread by so-called kissing bugs (Picture: Shutterstock)

A life-threatening parasitic infection transmitted by ‘kissing bugs’ has spread to more than half of the states in the US.

Human cases of what is formally called Chagas disease have been reported in at least seven states, according to a study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Emerging Infectious Diseases journal this month.

Beyond the human cases, numerous states have reported animal cases and the general presence of kissing bugs.

As a result, authors of the study are calling on the CDC and World Health Organisation to declare Chagas disease endemic in the US.

Kissing bugs are known to bite humans on the face (Picture: Getty Images)

What is Chagas disease?

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, which are spread by infected triatomine insects, small black-and-brown creatures also known as kissing bugs. Their nickname comes from their tendency to bite people on the face, particularly close to the mouth and eyes.

The disease can be spread through oral and congenital routes, and through contact with infected feces.

Chagas disease is endemic to 21 nations in the Americas, and the US was not considered one of them. But authors of the study argue that ‘increasing evidence of T. cruzi parasites in the United States in triatomine insects, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans challenges that nonendemic label’.

‘Classification of Chagas disease as endemic, in particular as hypoendemic, to the United States could improve surveillance, research, and public health responses,’ states the study.

What are Chagas disease symptoms?

There are two stages of Chagas disease, and patients can experience no symptoms to serious health problems, according to the CDC.

The first stage, the acute phase, occurs in the first weeks and months after infection. Symptoms, if felt, can be mild and include headache, body aches, fever, tiredness, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, eye swelling and appetite loss.

Stage two, the chronic phase, can last for years or a lifetime. Most people do not show symptoms, but 20% to 30% of patients suffer heart issues including enlargement, failure, a change in rhythm and sudden death. Others can have digestive issues like an enlarged colon or esophagus, and have problems eating or excreting.

Detecting the disease early and treating it can be lifesaving.

Which US states have Chagas disease?

As of early September, 32 states have reported a presence of Chagas disease.

States with human cases include California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee.

Animal cases have been reported in all of those states except Arkansas. Additionally, there were animal cases found in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland.

States with reported triatomines are Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

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