HOUSTON — A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is raising awareness that the potentially deadly Chagas disease is becoming more common in the United States.

The disease is spread by blood-sucking insects called triatomines, better known as the "kissing bug " because they typically bite victims near the lips and eyes while they're sleeping.

According to the CDC , about 8 million people worldwide, including at least 280,000 people in the U.S. have Chagas disease.

Some people don't realize they have it because the symptoms mimic many other common conditions.

If it isn't treated, Chagas can cause serious health problems and can even be deadly.

Texas is one of eight states that have reported human cases of Chagas disease.

Both UTHealth and Texas A&M

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