Chagas: A Neglected Disease in the United States
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is most often transmitted by nocturnal, blood-sucking insects called kissing bugs. When the kissing bug feeds, it defecates, and the sleeping victim unconsciously scratches the bite scene and introduces the infected feces into their blood stream.
The disease affects not only humans, but several species of mammals, including dogs, raccoons, bats, and opossums. Chagas disease can also spread through blood transfusion or organ transplant, from mother to child in the womb, and via consumption of contaminated food.
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Chagas-A-Neglected-Disease-in-the-United-States.aspx
