SPRINGFIELD — About 300,000 people in the U.S. might have Chagas disease, a serious illness spread by kissing bugs. If untreated, this disease can lead to severe heart and digestive issues.
Experts believe this number is likely low. Many medical professionals don’t know much about Chagas, which leads to underreporting, as noted in research from the National Library of Medicine.
Recently, a team of infectious disease experts suggested that health authorities classify Chagas as endemic in the U.S. This could boost monitoring and research efforts.
In Illinois, the risk of Chagas is minimal. There have been no reported cases, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) considers the parasite to be rarely found there. “Most cases come from outside the U.S., mainly in southern states,” said James Leach from IDPH.
According to Christopher Dietrich, an entomologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, recognizing Chagas as endemic would be helpful. “This could lead to more resources for monitoring both the insects and the disease,” he explained.
Tracking kissing bugs is crucial as climate change alters their habitat. Rising temperatures may push these insects further north, increasing the risk of Chagas cases. Unfortunately, consistent monitoring isn’t in place, so we can’t accurately assess this risk.
When kissing bugs bite, they might leave behind feces that can infect the host. Initial symptoms can be mild, resembling a flu. However, if untreated, the disease can become life-threatening. Sometimes, symptoms only show up decades later, making early detection difficult.
“Chagas disease can lead to debilitating health issues,” Dietrich noted. “The bite may even cause a serious allergic reaction for some.”
Kissing bugs have been in Illinois for a long time, with the triatoma sanguisuga species noted to exist since the early 1900s. They primarily feed on small mammals, reducing the risk of infecting humans. Robert Davies from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District indicates that their feeding behavior limits Chagas transmission. “Kissing bugs usually defecate after moving away from their bite, which lowers the risk,” he said.
Only seven U.S. states require reporting of Chagas cases: Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. In Illinois, tracking is not mandatory, but it can be considered if health authorities find it necessary.
Currently, the focus is on preventing transmission through blood transfusions and organ donations. If someone tests positive for Chagas after donating blood, they can be provided support for further testing through the CDC.
Despite the low risk in Illinois, Davies believes it’s crucial to raise awareness about Chagas disease. “It’s a neglected public health challenge,” he emphasized. “Conversations about it can help educate healthcare providers who may encounter affected individuals.”
Understanding Chagas disease and increasing awareness about it can play a vital role in preventing its spread. Recognizing the disease early can lead to better outcomes for those infected.
