San Diego County has confirmed its first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, identified through routine blood donation screening in an asymptomatic donor. According to county spokesperson Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, the parasitic infection is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, typically transmitted when feces from an infected triatomine, or “kissing bug,” enter a bite wound.
Why is Chagas disease appearing in California?
Chagas disease is common in Latin America, but it is increasingly appearing in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the disease should no longer be viewed as only a foreign or travel-related illness. Kissing bugs have now been found in 32 states.
In California, the transmission dynamics differ from those in Latin America. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, told SFGATE that California’s kissing bugs typically live in wood rat nests rather than inside human homes. This makes camping and outdoor activities primary risk factors for exposure.
What are the risks and symptoms of a local infection?
Early infection often produces no symptoms. When they do occur, they are mild and flu-like, including fever, headache, cough, abdominal pain, or swelling at the bite site. Because many people remain symptom-free for years, blood donation screenings have become a critical tool for identification, according to Dr. Chin-Hong.
The long-term risks are more severe. Between 30% and 40% of infected individuals may develop serious gastrointestinal or heart complications decades later. Dr. Chin-Hong identified heart failure, arrhythmias, and electrical conduction problems as the primary concerns.
How does San Diego compare to other regions?
San Diego and Los Angeles counties now require local reporting for Chagas disease. Since San Diego County made the disease locally reportable in 2024, officials have received 22 reports and confirmed four cases. This latest case marks the first known instance of local acquisition in the region.
| Metric | U.S. / California Status |
|---|---|
| States with Kissing Bugs | 32 states |
| States with Local Human Cases | 7 states |
| San Diego 2024 Reports | 22 reports / 4 confirmed cases |
How can you prevent Chagas disease?
Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County’s public health officer, stated that this case serves as a reminder that the disease is not limited to Latin America. To lower risk, Dr. Chin-Hong recommends several concrete steps:
- Avoid contact with rodents and rodent nests.
- Seal cracks or gaps around the exterior of your home.
- Control rodent infestations on your property.
- Avoid handling kissing bugs if found indoors; instead, contact public health officials for identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong states that people shouldn’t panic, but should be “smart” and avoid interacting with rodent nests
