Story perspectives

Experts Demand CDC Classify Chagas Disease as Endemic

9/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

Researchers urge the CDC to classify Chagas disease as endemic in the U.S. to improve public health responses.
California has the highest estimated cases, with 70,000 to 100,000 likely infected, mainly from Latin America.
Kissing bugs, native to California, can thrive indoors and outdoors, raising infection risks.
The disease is underreported due to low awareness; only seven states mandate reporting.
Local wildlife, including rodents and bats, carries the T. cruzi parasite, complicating control efforts.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers urge the CDC to classify Chagas disease as endemic in the U.S. to improve public health responses.
California has the highest estimated cases, with 70,000 to 100,000 likely infected, mainly from Latin America.
Kissing bugs, native to California, can thrive indoors and outdoors, raising infection risks.
The disease is underreported due to low awareness; only seven states mandate reporting.
Local wildlife, including rodents and bats, carries the T. cruzi parasite, complicating control efforts.