County health officials have confirmed the San Diego region's first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, according to the San Diego County News Center. The case was identified through routine blood donation screening in a donor who did not have symptoms.

Chagas disease is more common in rural areas of Latin America, where kissing bugs can spread the infection. County officials said the bug species found in San Diego County typically lives in rodent nests, which makes camping and outdoor exposure possible risk factors.

Dr. Sayone Thihalilopavan, the county public health officer, said the locally acquired case is a reminder that the disease is not limited to Latin America. Early infection often has no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, cough, abdominal pain or swelling at the bite site.

County officials said about 30% to 40% of infected people can develop serious heart and gastrointestinal complications years or decades later. The county made Chagas disease locally reportable in 2024 and has received 22 reports since then, including four confirmed cases.

For Santee residents, the practical takeaway is prevention and awareness: use insect repellent and protective clothing when appropriate, avoid disturbing rodent nests and contact a health care provider if symptoms or exposure concerns come up. County Public Health said it is continuing to work with health care providers to investigate cases, monitor transmission and share clinical resources.