“Kissing bug” disease an endemic in the U.S.; National Academies proposals to improve breastfeeding rates; TB fight at risk amid funding cuts – Morning Medical Update

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“Kissing bug” disease spreading in the U.S.

Chagas disease, a parasitic illness spread by triatomine “kissing bugs,” could be becoming endemic in the United States, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease, already common across Latin America, has now been documented in locally acquired cases in eight states, most notably Texas. Researchers say labeling the U.S. as “non-endemic” has led to underdiagnosis and low awareness, despite evidence of the insect in 32 states and rising reports of human and canine infections. Without treatment, Chagas can cause lifelong heart and digestive problems.

In addition to Texas, human cases have been documented in California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.

National Academies urge paid leave, coordinated strategy to raise breastfeeding rates

Breastfeeding provides major health benefits, but U.S. rates continue to fall short of national goals, according to a new National Academies report. Although 84% of new mothers start breastfeeding, less than 40% continue at one year, and just 27% exclusively breastfeed for six months. The panel calls for a unified federal strategy led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), guaranteed paid family and medical leave and greater investment in community-led programs to support mothers, especially in underserved groups. The report estimates the annual cost of suboptimal breastfeeding at $17 billion to $100 billion.

TB fight at risk amid funding cuts

Falling investment in tuberculosis programs could have devastating consequences, with nearly 9 million additional deaths worldwide by 2050 if cuts persist, researchers report in PLOS Global Public Health. Despite TB remaining the leading infectious killer — responsible for 1.3 million deaths in 2022 — funding has only stagnated and declined. The modeling study demonstrates the need for sustained commitments, warning that backsliding now could erase hard-won progress and fuel the spread of drug-resistant TB.