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Story summary
- Kissing bugs, present in 32 southern U.S. states, spread Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.
- Chagas disease can remain dormant for decades, potentially resulting in severe heart problems.
- There are no EPA-approved pesticides targeting kissing bugs in the U.S.
- Preventive measures include sealing homes, minimizing outdoor lighting, and clearing debris.
- About 280,000 people in the U.S. have Chagas disease, often without knowing their infection status.
