What is Chagas disease spreading in the U.S.

They are known as "kissing bugs," but instead of spreading love, they transmit a parasitic disease that can be deadly.

Chagas disease is considered endemic; it's present in 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the United States. However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there is growing evidence challenging the label of the U.S. as non-endemic.

The report indicates that infections transmitted by "kissing bugs" have already been identified in eight states: California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas — where it seems to be more common.

However, the CDC notes that the blood-sucking insects, which are usually found in the southern part of the country, are present in 32 states.

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