A potentially deadly condition caused by the triatomine insect, commonly known as the “kissing bug,” may be becoming endemic in the United States, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report .

Chagas disease, which is already endemic in 21 countries in the Americas, is challenging its non-endemic label in the U.S. as evidence of the parasite’s presence grows, the CDC’s September issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases journal reports.

Locally acquired human cases have been documented in eight states, with Texas showing the most significant presence, CBS News reports. The disease-carrying insect has been reported in 32 states overall, with human cases also identified in California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The CDC no

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