CDC Reclassifies Chagas Disease as Endemic in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially reclassified Chagas disease as endemic within the United States, departing from its prior view of it as primarily an imported illness. This change follows a September 2025 study and subsequent updates to CDC guidance. The disease, transmitted by 'kissing bugs,' can cause severe, undetected heart damage over decades, prompting renewed advisories for healthcare professionals and public health agencies.