The Rise of the Kissing Bug Disease
Introduction
A deadly disease, dubbed the "kissing bug" disease, is on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially identified the illness as Chagas disease and it is now considered an endemic illness in the country. The rise in cases has become a cause for concern as more and more people are being affected by this illness.
Key Details
Chagas disease is caused by a parasite found in the feces of triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs." These bugs typically bite humans around the mouth or eyes while they sleep, hence the nickname. The parasite can also be transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. The symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, and in some cases, heart complications. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Impact
The rise in "kissing bug" disease cases is alarming, especially since the illness was once considered rare in the United States. The increase in cases is believed to be due to the spread of the triatomine bugs to new areas and the lack of awareness about the disease. It is important for people to know the signs and symptoms of Chagas disease and seek medical attention if they suspect they have been infected. Proper insect control and education can also help prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a premier U.S. public health agency established on July 1, 1946, originally as the Communicable Disease Center. It evolved from the wartime Malaria Control in War Areas program (MCWA) created during World War II to combat malaria around military bases in the southern United States[1][3][7]. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the CDC has grown from a regional malaria control unit to a comprehensive national and global health protection agency. The CDC’s mission is to protect public health and safety through disease control and prevention, health promotion, and emergency preparedness. It investigates and responds to emerging health threats such as infectious diseases—including COVID-19, influenza, and bioterrorism agents—as well as chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, environmental health threats, and more[2][6]. The agency conducts scientific research via over 200 specialized laboratories nationwide, supports public health workforce development, and communicates critical health information to the public[6][5]. Throughout its history, the CDC has expanded its scope and structure significantly. It was renamed the Center for Disease Control in 1970, then the Centers for Disease Control in 1980 as it incorporated multiple centers, and finally adopted the current name, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 1992 to emphasize prevention efforts while retaining the CDC acronym for recognition[2][8]. Its organizational breadth now includes centers focused on infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, injury prevention, occupational safety, and health statistics. Notable achievements include leading vaccination campaigns against diseases like measles and rubella, advancing injury prevention, and mounting global efforts against infectious outbreaks. The CDC also played a pivotal role in combating antibiotic misuse and bioterrorism preparedness. Despite past controversies like the Tuskegee syphilis study, the agency remains a leader in epidemiology and public health innovation, employing a multidisciplinary workforce of scientists, clinicians, and public health experts dedicated t
