By Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald

A parasitic disease, which can be fatal, is spreading through an insect in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, or T. cruzi, is typically found in triatomines , also known as kissing bugs, a Sept. 9 report from the CDC said.

When a person comes into contact with feces from a kissing bug, they are at risk of developing Chagas disease, the organization said.

Although kissing bugs have been identified in 32 states, Chagas disease has been considered nonendemic in the country, the CDC said. However, in its latest report, the organization said, “We conclude that sufficient evidence exists to support the inclusion of the United States as an endemic country for Chagas disease.”

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