The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report could be declaring the kissing bug disease or the Chagas disease an endemic in the United States.But, before we jump into the report, let us understand the difference between an outbreak, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic. Outbreak: As per the National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease, Canada, an outbreak is limited to a specific area, for instance a school, a department store, etc. and it is within a certain time period. Endemic: The CDC notes that the amount of a particular disease that is usually present in a community is called an endemic. It is also called a baseline. The National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease says that an endemic is when it is always present in a geographical area or a population group. Epidemic: The CDC notes that an outbreak becomes are epidemic when there is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in a specific area. It can also spread to a larger area, for instance, within the country. Pandemic: The CDC notes that when an epidemic spreads over several countries and continents, affecting many people, it is called a pandemic. What Does The CDC Report Say?In a report published last month in the September issue of the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, researchers highlighted that the disease is already considered endemic in 21 countries across the Americas. They also emphasized that growing evidence of the parasite’s presence in the United States is beginning to challenge the long-standing classification of the country as “non-endemic.”The report stated that autochthonous, meaning locally acquired, human cases have been confirmed in eight U.S. states, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases. “Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting,” the authors warned, further pointing out that the insect responsible for transmitting the disease has been detected in 32 states.In addition to Texas, the other states where human cases have been identified include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.The report points out that available data is still “inadequate” to conclusively demonstrate whether the insects are expanding in either their geographic range or overall numbers. However, it also highlights that these bugs are being “increasingly recognized,” largely because of their frequent encounters with humans and the growing focus of scientific research.“Invasion into homes, human bites, subsequent allergic reactions or exposure to T. cruzi parasites, and the rising number of canine diagnoses have all contributed to greater public awareness,” the report stated.Read: What You Need To Know About Chagas Disease, Is it Contagious?What Is The Kissing Bug Disease or The Chagas Disease?Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite transmitted by triatomine insects, commonly known as “kissing bugs.” These insects get their nickname because they often bite people on the face, especially while they are sleeping.Globally, around 8 million people are estimated to be living with Chagas disease, and about 280,000 cases are believed to exist in the United States, many of them undiagnosed.Transmission occurs when the bug bites and then leaves parasite-containing droppings near the bite site. If a person accidentally rubs or scratches the area, or if the droppings come into contact with the eyes, mouth, or a cut in the skin, the parasite can enter the body and cause infection.
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