• Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by 'kissing bugs,' is now considered endemic in 32 US states.
• The disease is often asymptomatic in its acute phase, with symptoms like fever and fatigue, but can lead to severe heart or digestive complications years later.
• States with confirmed human cases or infected kissing bugs and animal reservoirs include Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri.
• Risk factors include living in rural areas, engaging in outdoor activities, owning pets in high-risk zones, and receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants.
• Prevention strategies involve sealing homes to prevent bug entry, removing debris, using insect-treated bed nets, and avoiding raw produce.
• Early diagnosis and treatment with antiparasitic drugs are crucial, while severe cases may require medication for heart issues or surgery.
• Public health experts emphasize the need for increased screening, especially in blood banks and high-risk populations, to improve outcomes.