San Diego County Public Health recently confirmed the region’s first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, identified during routine blood donation screening in a donor without symptoms.
Image/CDC
The County made Chagas disease locally reportable in 2024 to raise awareness of this important disease. Since then, the County has already received 22 reports, four of which were confirmed. This fourth confirmed case marks the first to be locally acquired.
“Identifying a locally acquired Chagas case reminds us that this disease is not limited to Latin America,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalilopavan, County Public Health Officer. “Our priority is making sure residents, and healthcare providers have the information they need to stay protected.”
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). This parasite is spread to people and animals by bugs known as triatomine bugs (sometimes called “kissing bugs”).
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Chagas disease is mostly found in countries across Latin America, mainly in rural areas. However, because people are moving from rural to urban areas, Chagas disease has been found in other regions around the world, including the United States.