First Locally Acquired Chagas Disease Case Confirmed In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County health officials have confirmed the region's first locally acquired case of Chagas disease after the infection was detected during routine blood donation screening in a donor who had no symptoms.

The case marks the first locally acquired infection since the county made Chagas disease a locally reportable illness in 2024. Since then, health officials have received 22 reports of the disease, with four confirmed cases. The latest is the first believed to have been acquired locally.

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Chagas disease is primarily spread by the kissing bug, an insect more commonly associated with rural areas of Latin America. In San Diego County, the local species typically lives in rodent nests, making camping and other outdoor activities potential risk factors.

"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 health care providers have the information they need to stay protected."

Early infection often causes no symptoms or only mild illness, including fever, headache, cough, abdominal pain or swelling at the bite site.

An estimated 30% to 40% of infected people go on to develop serious heart and gastrointestinal complications years to decades later. If untreated, the disease can also be passed to infants during pregnancy.

County health officials are continuing to investigate cases, monitor transmission and work with health care providers. They recommend travelers to areas where Chagas is common wear protective clothing, use insect repellent and insecticide-treated bed nets, sleep indoors when possible and avoid eating unpeeled or uncooked fruits and vegetables.