how did chagas disease occur in us
Blood and organ donors are screened in many endemic areas and, since 2006, in the US to prevent transfusion- and organ transplantârelated Chagas disease. Key Points Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by Triatominae (reduviid, kissing, or assassin) bugs. Infection is endemic in South and Central America and Mexico; an estimated 8 million people worldwide, including an estimated 300,000 people in the US (primarily immigrants), are infected.