Researchers from the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute (EPI) and Texas A&M University recently discovered that local kissing bugs in Florida are carrying the parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can be fatal to humans.
This ten-year study, published on July 7, 2025, in the Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases, involved the collection of over 300 kissing bugs from 23 counties across Florida.
Interestingly, more than one-third of the bugs were found in people's homes.
Chagas Disease Outbreak Risk Identified in 12 Florida Counties
Zika's Long Term Impact Is Measurable in 2025
Since the beginning of the Zika virus epidemic in 2014, much has been learned about the effects of antenatal exposure to this severe, mosquito-transmitted virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zika virus infection during pregnancy poses severe risks to the fetus, ranging from congenital Zika syndrome, microcephaly, to milder neurodevelopmental issues.
Congenital Zika syndrome is characterized by a variety of alterations that can impact cognitive, language, and motor development.
Increase in Chronic Digestive Disorders Seen During Pandemic
Specifically, increases seen in irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation
2017 to 2024 Saw More Seniors With Prolonged ED Length of Stay
Increase seen in proportion of older adults with prolonged emergency department length of stay and boarding times