San Diego County health officials announced the first locally acquired case of Chagas disease on Monday, marking the emergence of the potentially serious illness in Southern California. The disease is transmitted by triatomine insects, commonly known as “kissing bugs,” which are blood-feeding bugs that can spread infection through their bites.

Chagas disease typically causes symptoms resembling the flu, including fever, headache, cough, and abdominal pain, as well as swelling at the site of the insect bite. While it is most commonly found in Latin America, the parasite responsible for the illness can also lead to more severe, long-term health problems such as heart and gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, the infection can be transmitted from pregnant individuals to their infants.

“This locally acquired case highlights that Chagas disease is not confined to Latin American regions,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalilopavan, San Diego County’s Public Health Officer. She emphasized the importance of educating both residents and healthcare providers to help prevent further infections and ensure early detection.

Health officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the case and are working to raise public awareness about protective measures against the triatomine bugs. The presence of these insects in Southern California underscores the need for vigilance, especially during warmer months when the bugs are most active.

Though rare in the United States, cases of Chagas disease acquired domestically have been documented in recent years, prompting public health authorities to monitor the spread of the insect vectors more closely. Efforts to inform communities about avoiding contact with kissing bugs and recognizing symptoms aim to reduce the risk of infection moving forward in regions where triatomines are present.