01805nas a2200301   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001900054653002200073653001800095653001800113653001500131653001600146653001400162653001500176653002800191100001300219700001200232700002100244700001200265700001200277245006100289856006000350300001400410490000700424520105800431022001401489       2025                            d  c09/202510aChagas disease10aTrypanosoma cruzi10aUnited States10aautochthonous10aEndemicity10akissing bug10aParasites10atriatomine10aVector-borne infections1 aBeatty N1 aHamer G1 aMoreno-Peniche B1 aMayes B1 aHamer S00aChagas Disease, an Endemic Disease in the United States.  uhttps://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/9/pdfs/24-1700.pdf  a1691-16970 v313 a<p>Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, is considered endemic to 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the United States. However, increasing evidence of T. cruzi parasites in the United States in triatomine insects, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans challenges that nonendemic label. Several triatomine species are common in the southern United States, where they transmit T. cruzi and invade human dwellings. Wildlife, captive animals, and companion animals, especially dogs, are commonly infected with T. cruzi parasites in this region and serve as reservoirs. Autochthonous human cases have been reported in 8 states, most notably in Texas. Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting. Classification of Chagas disease as endemic, in particular as hypoendemic, to the United States could improve surveillance, research, and public health responses. Acknowledging the endemicity of Chagas disease in the United States is crucial for achieving global health goals.</p>  a1080-6059