Rising Infectious Diseases & Chronic Health Challenges in the U.S. and Canada – September 2025
1. Chagas Disease (“Kissing Bug Disease”) on the Rise
Chagas disease, also known as the “kissing bug disease,”
is a parasitic infection spread by biting insects. Once thought to be limited
to Latin America, it is now confirmed in 32 U.S. states, with more than 300,000
estimated cases.
- Around
45,000 cases are concentrated in Los Angeles County alone.
- Many
infections go undiagnosed for years until serious complications
such as heart failure or digestive issues appear.
Reports from People.com, The Sun, and New
York Post highlight how public health officials are warning of silent
spread, since most people are unaware they’ve been infected.
2. Measles Outbreaks in North America United States Canada
The western U.S. is facing a measles resurgence, especially within under-vaccinated communities such as some Mennonite groups. According to Wikipedia, these outbreaks threaten years of progress in measles control.
In Ontario, Canada, one of the largest measles outbreaks
in decades is underway.
- Over 2,009
cases have been confirmed.
- The
outbreak has already led to the death of an infant, highlighting
the severity.
- Reuters
and The Guardian report that this crisis endangers Canada’s status
as a measles-eliminated country.
3. Tuberculosis (TB) Cases Increasing
Maine, U.S.
- Three
new active TB cases were reported in Portland, Maine, bringing the
state total to 28 cases in 2025.
- Health
officials are conducting contact tracing, though no direct
transmission links have been identified (Times of India).
Kansas, U.S.
- The 2024–2025
Kansas TB outbreak is one of the largest in U.S. history.
- So
far, 68 active cases and 88 latent infections have been
confirmed, mainly in Wyandotte County (Wikipedia).
4. Chronic & Lifestyle-Related Health Conditions in the U.S.
While infectious outbreaks are drawing headlines, chronic
diseases remain the biggest long-term health challenge across the United
States.
Obesity
- Impacts
42% of U.S. adults.
- Strongly
linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Present
in around 32% of adults—roughly 1 in 3 Americans.
- Major
risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
- Affects
11.5% of adults, many undiagnosed.
- Closely
tied to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Depression & Mental Health
- Diagnosed
in 21.7% of adults.
- Often
coexists with physical conditions, creating a cycle of poor overall
health.
Substance Use & Opioid Misuse
- About 25%
of Americans report binge drinking in the past month.
- Around
18% misuse drugs, including prescription medications.
- Opioid
overdoses remain a national crisis, causing tens of thousands of
deaths annually.
5. Key Takeaway
September 2025 highlights two parallel health challenges:
- Rising
infectious diseases like Chagas, measles, and tuberculosis.
- Chronic
health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and depression, which
remain widespread and deadly.
Both the U.S. and Canada face increasing pressure to balance
outbreak response with long-term strategies to combat chronic illness.