In February, Luna donated blood at her high school in Miami. She felt proud saying, “I gave blood today,” to her mother, Valerie. However, this act led to a shocking discovery: Luna tested positive for Chagas disease.
Chagas is caused by a parasite spread by the triatomine bug, commonly called the kissing bug. Many people, like Luna and Valerie, have never heard of it. This disease is usually found in rural areas of Mexico, Central, and South America—places Luna’s family had visited.
Dr. Norman Beatty, a medicine professor at the University of Florida, acknowledges that most people in the U.S. are unaware of Chagas. He and other scientists argue that it should be recognized as an endemic disease in the U.S., meaning it regularly affects certain populations. Their goal is to boost public awareness as Chagas can lead to serious health issues.
Kissing bugs spread the parasite through their droppings. If these droppings enter the body via cuts or the mouth, infection can occur. In the weeks or months following infection, symptoms can appear, such as fever and fatigue. Some people, like Luna, may show no symptoms at first. However, 20-30% of those infected later face severe health problems, including heart enlargement and digestive issues.
Chagas is not a new threat to the U.S. A study of a 1,200-year-old body from Texas showed signs of the disease. Also, recent human development is bringing us closer to the bugs’ habitats. According to a report in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases, infections have been reported in at least eight states due to local bugs.
Despite this, awareness is lacking. A 2010 survey found that 19% of infectious disease doctors had never heard of Chagas, and 27% felt their knowledge was outdated. Dr. Bernardo Moreno Peniche, another report author, points out that many physicians mistakenly believe Chagas isn’t a U.S. issue.
Dr. Beatty sees Chagas patients weekly at a Florida clinic. He believes testing is available and should be part of routine care for people exposed to kissing bugs.
After Luna’s diagnosis, Valerie sought help from various doctors. Eventually, they connected with Dr. Beatty, who recommended anti-parasitic treatment. This option is often suggested, even for symptom-free patients, to prevent long-term damage. The treatment had side effects for Luna, but it reduces the likelihood of future health issues.
Understanding Chagas is crucial. Valerie hopes for improved awareness from health authorities so more people will seek testing and receive necessary treatment.
