Emerging Chagas Disease Spreading in the U.S.
A potentially deadly disease, Chagas, is spreading across the United States, with a notable presence in the southern regions.
This illness is linked to parasites found in triatomine insects, commonly dubbed “kissing bugs” due to their habit of biting people on the face.
These bugs transfer the parasites through their feces. If the feces enter a bite wound, or come into contact with an eye or mouth, it can result in an infection, as per the Alabama Department of Public Health.
The rising number of cases in humans and animals has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to declare Chagas disease endemic to the U.S. for the first time.
Eight states—Texas, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas—have documented human cases, the CDC reports. In contrast, Alabama has reported cases only among animals.
Kissing bugs naturally inhabit the southern U.S. and have been identified in 32 states, including Alabama.
“There are indeed kissing bugs in Alabama, though many other insects may resemble them. As of now, ADPH has not recorded any cases of Chagas Disease in 2025,” stated health officials in an email.
It’s notable that Chagas is not a mandatory reportable disease in Alabama, nor is it tracked at the national level. However, if a doctor suspects a case, state officials can help with testing and pest identification.
The Alabama Public Health Agency cautions that Chagas disease can be severe, particularly if it goes untreated, leading to significant health complications over time.
Besides transmission through bites, Chagas can also spread via blood transfusions and organ donations, as noted by health authorities.
Currently, there are no vaccines available for this disease, but antiparasitic medications can be effective, especially when treatment starts early to avoid long-term effects.
According to the CDC, around 8 million people worldwide and about 280,000 in the U.S. are affected by Chagas disease, often without realizing it.
