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Kissing Bug

All articles tagged with #kissing bug

health2 days ago•3 min saved

San Diego County Detects First Local Case of Chagas Disease

San Diego County health officials announced the region's first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, found through routine blood donor screening from an asymptomatic donor. Chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and spread by kissing bugs; local transmission is now recognized in parts of the United States. The county began requiring reporting in 2024, and this case marks the first acquired locally in San Diego. Public health guidance emphasizes prevention (protective clothing, insect repellent, indoor sleeping, treated nets) and screening for at-risk groups, including pregnant women, with researchers suggesting the disease may be more common in the U.S. than previously thought.

via USA Today|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bug

science5 days ago•49 min saved

Southern California reports its first locally acquired Chagas disease case linked to kissing bugs

San Diego County has recorded its first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted by kissing bugs (Triatominae). Though the disease is most common in Latin America, these bugs are now found in Southern California, raising concerns about local transmission. Chagas has an acute phase with flu-like symptoms and can progress to a chronic phase years later, leading to heart or digestive complications; treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox is most effective in the acute phase, but chronic infection is hard to cure. Health experts say many infections go undiagnosed, underscoring the need for awareness and testing among residents and clinicians.

via Yahoo|

#chagas-disease #kissing-bug #public-health

health5 days ago•4 min saved

San Diego County Records Its First Locally Transmitted Chagas Case

San Diego County announced its first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, detected in an asymptomatic blood donor during routine screening. The disease is spread by the kissing bug, which typically nests in rodent habitats; local exposure can occur through camping or outdoor activities. Chagas is more common in rural Latin America, but officials emphasize that local transmission is now a possibility. Since 2024, Chagas has been locally reportable, with 22 reports and four confirmed cases prior to this one. Early infection is often mild or flu-like, but untreated disease can cause serious heart or gastrointestinal problems years later. Officials advise preventive measures for travelers to endemic areas and recommend screening for people who have lived in Latin American countries, especially pregnant women.

via NBC 7 San Diego|

#blood-donation-screening #chagas-disease #health

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Kissing bugs and the hidden threat of Chagas disease

Kissing bugs in central and northern South America bite at night and can transmit the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite via their feces; this infection causes Chagas disease, which damages the heart and digestive muscles and can be fatal if untreated. The WHO estimates about 8 million people are infected worldwide with around 10,000 deaths annually, a history tied to Darwin’s South American travels.

via BBC Wildlife Magazine|

#chagas-disease #health #heart-damage

health2 months ago•37 min saved

Texas Dog's Death Spurs Awareness of Kissing Bug–Linked Chagas Disease

A Texas dog owner in Austin says her Belgian Malinois Ranger died after infection with the parasite that causes Chagas disease, spread by kissing bugs. Vet experts report rising Chagas cases in Austin and nearby San Antonio, noting that kissing bugs inhabit gardens and woodlands and can transmit the parasite via feces after a bite or when dogs ingest them. Dogs may show lethargy, breathing difficulties, and heart problems, with limited treatment options, underscoring the growing public health concern for both pets and people.

via Yahoo|

#austin #chagas-disease #dogs

health2 months ago•35 min saved

Texas dog owner mourns Belgian Malinois lost to kissing-bug–related Chagas disease

A Texas woman says her Belgian Malinois Ranger collapsed and died after contracting Chagas disease carried by kissing bugs; experts note rising kissing-bug–related Chagas cases in Austin and San Antonio, with dogs getting infected from bites or by ingesting the bugs, potentially causing heart damage. Treatment options for dogs are limited, so prevention through pest control and reducing exposure is emphasized.

via Yahoo News Canada|

#chagas-disease #dogs #health

health9 months ago•1 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease: Risks, Symptoms, and Its Spread in the US

Kissing bugs are now endemic in the US and can transmit Chagas disease, a parasitic illness. Experts explain how the disease is diagnosed and treated, highlighting the growing public health concern associated with this vector-borne disease.

via CNN|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bug

health10 months ago•1 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and US Spread

Chagas disease, caused by kissing bugs, is endemic in 21 Latin American countries and is increasingly recognized as a local concern in the United States due to the widespread presence of the bugs and local cases, especially in Texas, prompting calls for greater awareness.

via The New York Times|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health

health10 months ago•1 min saved

Understanding Chagas Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and U.S. Spread

Chagas disease, also known as 'kissing bug' disease, is increasingly recognized as endemic in the United States, but it remains underdiagnosed and underresearched due to lack of awareness. The article invites questions about the disease's pain, prevention, and treatment.

via CNN|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health

health10 months ago•0 min saved

Questions About Chagas Disease and the Kissing Bug

Chagas disease, often called 'kissing bug' disease, is increasingly recognized as endemic in the U.S., but remains underdiagnosed and underresearched due to lack of awareness. The article invites questions about its symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

via CNN|

#chagas-disease #disease-awareness #health

health10 months ago•3 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease Becomes Endemic and Spreads Across the U.S.

US health authorities are monitoring an increase in Chagas disease cases, transmitted by the 'kissing bug' and now potentially endemic in the US, which could have significant public health implications due to its serious long-term effects and current lack of a vaccine.

via dw.com|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health

health10 months ago•3 min saved

Kissing Bug Disease Now Endemic and Widespread Across the U.S.

Chagas disease, transmitted by kissing bugs, has been officially classified as endemic in the U.S., which could lead to improved diagnosis, awareness, and public health responses, addressing the current low diagnosis rate and high infection numbers.

via Axios|

#cdc #chagas-disease #endemic

health10 months ago•4 min saved

CDC Warns of Rising Kissing Bug Disease Threat in the U.S.

Scientists are urging U.S. health authorities to classify Chagas disease as endemic due to its presence in Missouri and other states, which could improve detection, research, and treatment, despite the disease being traditionally associated with Central and South America.

via STLPR|

#chagas-disease #endemic-classification #health

health10 months ago•2 min saved

CDC Warns of Endemic Chagas Disease from Kissing Bugs in the U.S.

Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by kissing bugs, is increasingly endemic in the US, with human cases reported in eight states and the insects found in 32 states, prompting calls for reclassification to improve public health responses.

via FOX 5 DC|

#cdc #chagas-disease #endemic

health10 months ago•2 min saved

CDC Declares Kissing Bug Disease Endemic in the U.S.

The CDC has declared Chagas disease, transmitted by the kissing bug, endemic in the U.S., particularly in the southern states, with cases found in eight states and potential health risks including heart failure and digestive issues if untreated. Prevention includes insecticide use and protective clothing.

via WHIO-TV|

#chagas-disease #endemic #health