Are 'Kissing Bugs' Spreading Disease in Virginia? A Closer Look at Chagas' Disease Risk

Chagas' disease, often referred to as the 'kissing bug disease,' is endemic in 21 countries across the Americas. However, it is not officially classified as endemic in the United States. Despite this, recent evidence suggests the disease is surfacing across the U.S., with the CDC indicating that Chagas' disease occurs regularly in eight states. These states include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas, with Texas showing the highest incidence due to its border with Mexico.

The concern revolves around kissing bugs, scientifically known as triatomine bugs, which are capable of transmitting the parasite that causes Chagas' disease. These bugs tend to fly in pairs, almost like they're kissing, which is how they earned their nickname. Historically, they resided mainly in the southern regions like Florida and Texas, but climate change and global warming are causing their habitats to expand further north, including to Virginia.

Transmission to humans occurs when a kissing bug bites, and then defecates near the bite site. The parasite resides in the bug's feces, which can contaminate the bite wound. If a person scratches the bite or touches their eyes, they can inadvertently inoculate the parasite into their body. Initial symptoms are often absent, but in some cases, a characteristic swelling around the eye, known as Romaña's sign, can appear.

Despite the rare occurrence, there is growing evidence of locally acquired infections within the United States. An estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. are infected, most having contracted the disease elsewhere in the Americas and immigrated to the U.S. However, increasing surveillance and surveillance technology are revealing cases of infection occurring within U.S. borders.

Prevention mainly involves reducing contact with kissing bugs by ensuring living environments are well-constructed and sealed, and seeking professional extermination if insects are present. While the overall risk to the general population remains low, specific groups such as outdoor workers or residents of endemic areas should remain vigilant.

Infections can sometimes lead to serious long-term health issues, primarily affecting the heart and digestive system. Heart conditions such as conduction abnormalities and gut issues, like impaired esophageal or intestinal function, represent the chronic complications of untreated Chagas' disease.

Health experts from the University of Virginia, including Dr. William Petri and Chelsea Marie Braun, emphasize the importance of awareness and ongoing research to monitor and control the disease's spread. They highlight that while the risk remains low for most Americans, understanding the disease's transmission and symptoms is crucial in preventing severe health consequences.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-qa-bugs-disease-virginia.html