Bugs with a Bite: Chagas Disease on the Rise Near the Border

In the Southwest, a tiny bug is causing big worries. These bugs, called kissing bugs, are spreading a disease called Chagas. Scientists found that almost 9 out of 10 of these bugs carry the parasite that causes Chagas. Chagas disease is sneaky. It might not show any signs for years. But over time, it can cause serious heart and digestion problems. This is a big deal because Chagas used to be mostly in Latin America. Now, it's becoming a bigger problem in the U. S.Researchers from a university in Texas collected these bugs from homes, parks, and schools. They found the bugs hiding in yards, under furniture, and near woodpiles. The number of infected bugs has gone up a lot since a similar study in 2021. So, what can people do to stay safe? Experts suggest sealing cracks in homes, keeping outdoor areas clean, and installing screens on windows. They also recommend keeping pets indoors and turning off outdoor lights at night. The researchers plan to study more to see if people in the area might already have the parasite, even if they don't feel sick. This shows that Chagas disease is a growing health concern in the Southwest.