Skip to main content

Kissing Bug Disease Spreads Across 32 States

Shoemcfly from Getty Images/CanvaPro

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared Chagas disease endemic to the United States, meaning that it is consistently present in the country. The disease is transmitted to humans and animals, including cats and dogs, through the feces of blood-sucking kissing bugs. After biting its victim, the bug’s feces deposit the parasite that causes the disease.

The CDC reports that kissing bugs are native to the Southern U.S., but they have been found in 32 states. Chagas disease, which may initially show no symptoms, is a potentially fatal illness that can lead to chronic conditions such as heart failure, an enlarged heart or an enlarged colon. The CDC’s endemic declaration should increase awareness of Chagas disease among doctors and veterinarians, leading to more diagnoses and reporting. The declaration also paves the way for more research investment into improved diagnostics, treatments and prevention

In-Print National Content Global and Health Briefs Health Brief December 2025

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook