Health officials in San Diego County have confirmed the region’s first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection sometimes called “kissing bug” disease.
The case was discovered through routine blood donation screening of a donor who did not have symptoms, according to county public health officials. While Chagas disease is more commonly associated with rural areas of Latin America, researchers say evidence suggests the infection is present in parts of the United States as well.
“Identifying a locally acquired Chagas case reminds us that this disease is not limited to Latin America,” Dr. Sayone Thihalilopavan, the county’s public health officer, said in a statement. “Our priority is making sure residents and healthcare providers have the information they need to stay protected.”…