Chagas Disease

10 Active Outbreaks

Chagas Disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is an infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. It primarily affects people in Latin America, but is also found globally due to migration. It can lead to severe and irreversible heart and digestive problems if left untreated.

3
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Recent Cases (30d)
10
Active Outbreaks
67d ago
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What is Chagas Disease?

Chagas Disease was first described in 1909 by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who identified the *Trypanosoma cruzi* parasite and its triatomine insect vector. His groundbreaking work was the first to fully describe a human disease cycle, encompassing the pathogen, vector, host, and clinical manifestations.

Symptoms

  • Acute Phase (weeks/months after infection): Often mild or asymptomatic, but can include fever, fatigue, body aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or a swollen eyelid (Romaña's sign). Swelling at the bite site (chagoma) may also occur.
  • Chronic Indeterminate Phase: Most people are asymptomatic for decades, with the parasite present but no apparent symptoms or organ damage.
  • Chronic Symptomatic Phase (years to decades later): Develops in a portion of infected individuals, causing severe heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias) and/or digestive issues (e.g., megaesophagus, megacolon leading to swallowing or bowel problems).

Transmission

The primary route of transmission is vector-borne, through the bite of infected triatomine (\"kissing\") bugs. The parasite enters when a person scratches the bite, rubbing bug feces into the wound or mucous membranes. Other routes include mother-to-child (congenital), blood transfusions, organ transplants, and consumption of contaminated food or drink.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Vector Control: Spraying insecticides inside homes to eliminate triatomine (\"kissing\") bugs.
  • Housing Improvements: Sealing cracks in walls, using screens on windows, and keeping homes clean to prevent bug harborage.
  • Personal Protection: Using bed nets and insect repellents when in endemic areas.
  • Blood & Organ Screening: Testing blood and organ donors to prevent transmission via transfusions or transplants.
  • No human vaccine is currently available.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

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🚨 Chagas disease: The silent killer creeping into US homes and kennels

United States, Alaska 2025-10-12
Active

Chagas disease, referred to as a silent killer, is reportedly expanding its presence into homes and kennels across the United States. This signals a growing, serious threat that may often go undiagnosed until advanced stages, requiring immediate public awareness and preventative action.

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🚨 'Kissing bug' disease is now endemic in the South

United States, Alaska 2025-09-27
Active

'Kissing bug' disease, which can lead to severe and chronic health complications (Chagas disease), has been declared endemic in the Southern United States. This indicates the disease is now consistently present in the region, posing an ongoing threat to residents. Public awareness and proactive measures are crucial for prevention and early detection.

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Chagas disease: 'Kissing bug' spreads in the US

World, World 2025-09-13
Active

Chagas disease, previously prevalent mainly in Latin America, is now increasingly occurring in the US. The "kissing bug" passes on a parasite that can cause life-threatening damage to the heart and nerves.

US health authorities are on alert as cases of Chagas disease, originating from South America...

Source: Deutsche Welle - Read Full Article

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World, World 2025-09-09
Active

Deadly 'kissing bug' disease considered an endemic in US; vulnerable states, early symptoms, risk factors, and prevention tips

A hidden danger has quietly made its way across the United States: the deadly "kissing bug" disease, also known as Chagas disease. Once thought to be a problem confined to parts of Latin America, this parasitic illness is now being transmitted locally in 32 US states, earning it an endemic status in...

Source: The Times of India - Read Full Article

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World, World 2025-09-09
Active

Deadly 'kissing bug' disease considered an endemic in US; vulnerable states, early symptoms, risk factors, and prevention tips

A hidden danger has quietly made its way across the United States: the deadly "kissing bug" disease, also known as Chagas disease. Once thought to be a problem confined to parts of Latin America, this parasitic illness is now being transmitted locally in 32 US states, earning it an endemic status in...

Source: The Times of India - Read Full Article

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World, World 2025-09-09
Active

Deadly 'kissing bug' disease -- or Chagas -- is now endemic in US, researchers say

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said Chagas disease, also called kissing bug disease, is now endemic in the United States -- meaning cases are high enough to be considered a regularly occurring disease.

Since 2013, Texas A&M University has received reports of about 10,000 kissing...

Source: WKBW - Read Full Article

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World, World 2025-09-09
Active

CDC warns of 'kissing bug' disease spread in the United States - UPI.com

Chagas disease -- a potentially serious illness spread by an insect called the "kissing bug" -- may be establishing itself in the United States, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

The disease is common in 21 countries in the Americas, but growing evidence sug...

Source: UPI - Read Full Article

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Chagas Outbreak in Brazil Linked to Açaí: Deaths Reported

Brazil 2026-03-27
Active

Chagas disease remains endemic in Brazil, transmitted through triatomine vectors, foodborne (oral) routes, congenital infection, and, less frequently, transfusion or transplantation. It affects both rural and increasingly urban areas. Foodborne (oral) Chagas periodically causes outbreaks linked to contaminated artisanal products—such as açaí, bacaba, and sugarcane juice—and is associated with higher parasite loads and more severe acute illness.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

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Chagas Disease, Which Can Be Deadly, Now Considered Endemic in US, 'Kissing Bug,' Heart Problems

World, World 2025-09-13
Active

'Chagas disease, which can be deadly, is now considered endemic in the U.S.' UCLA Health, Sept. 2, 2025. Edit. - Infectious Diseases

Spread by the 'kissing bug,' the disease can cause heart failure and cardiac arrest. 🧡


Chagas disease, a potentially deadly condition transmitted by an insec...

Source: Democratic Underground - Read Full Article

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Many Have 'Kissing Bug' Disease and Don't Know It. Do You?

World, World 2025-10-06
Active

Oct. 1, 2025 -- If you recently learned about "kissing bug" disease, you're not alone. The parasitic infection -- which is actually called Chagas disease but earned the nickname because it's spread by so-called kissing bugs, or triatomine bugs -- drew public attention recently after a new CDC repor... Source: WebMD - Read Full Article

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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