Chagas disease, once thought to be a foreign threat, is now established in California and other Southern U.S. states. The disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is transmitted by the bloodsucking kissing bug. California has the largest number of infected individuals in the U.S., with estimates ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 people, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Chagas disease often goes undetected for years, with many individuals unaware of their infection until they suffer a heart attack or stroke. The disease is not a reportable illness in California, complicating efforts to track its spread. However, it is reportable in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, where some cases have been confirmed as locally acquired.
The parasite has been found in local wildlife, including wood rats, skunks, and mice in Griffith Park, as well as in bats, raccoons, and black bears throughout the state. This broad range of hosts suggests that the disease could spread further.
Health experts are urging the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to label Chagas as endemic in the U.S. to increase awareness and funding for research and treatment. The disease can be treated with antiparasitic medications if caught early, but many cases remain undiagnosed.
The disease also affects dogs, which can suffer from heart failure or arrhythmias after eating infected bugs. Without a standardized reporting system, the true number of Chagas cases remains unknown. Most people discover their infection after attempting to donate blood.
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