“Kissing bug” disease, also known as Chagas disease, is now considered an endemic illness in the United States, according to research in an infectious-disease journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this month.

A disease is usually considered endemic when it is constantly present within a specific area or population. Worldwide, more than 100 million people are considered at risk of being infected with Chagas disease, according to the World Health Organization.

Here’s what to know.

What’s ‘kissing bug’ disease?

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is found in the feces of the triatomine bug — commonly known as the “kissing bug” because it often bites people’s faces. The insects become infected when they feed on the blood of hosts

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