Chagas disease from 'kissing bugs' found in SoCal. Here's what experts want you to know

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A parasitic infection called Chagas disease from so-called "kissing bugs" has made its way to California -- and it's causing some concern.

The infection can spread in several ways, mainly through those bugs, and it can cause chronic problems and even death.

The bugs that can transmit Chagas disease are now firmly entrenched in Southern California.

A heart attack or stroke may be the first time you learn you have this fairly rare parasitic infection that often goes undiagnosed and untreated.

In the wooded areas of Griffith Park live tiny insects that could harbor a dangerous parasite. These bugs often attack the face.

"I think if something bit me in the cheek, I would know," said Lisa Gibbons of Los Feliz.

But most who get bit don't know they're infected. People often ignore the initial symptoms such as flu-like illness and rash or they don't experience any.

"A lot of people get infected when they're little children, very, very young, and it can stay dormant for 30, 40, 50 years, and then manifest itself as premature heart-related issues," said Dr. Suman Radhakrishna, an infectious disease specialist with Dignity Health California Hospital.

Radhakrishna says Chagas disease can lead to heart attacks, stroke and difficulty swallowing. Of the 300,000 infections nationally, researchers say California has about a third of those cases. L.A. County now tests for Chagas disease and collects data. Most of the infections occurred in other countries.

"But about another 23% or 22% of people, you didn't really see why, so we assumed that they got it locally," she said.

Radhakrishna said infections are treated with anti-parasitic medications. The longer you have it, the more difficult it is to manage and treat.

"If you catch them early on, and you treat them, then they don't go on to complications," Radhakrishna said.

Although the parasite has been detected in local wildlife such as rats and skunks, Chagas disease is not transmitted from animals or from other people.

Bites are the main culprit. Insect repellent can help, but it's not recommended for the face. Experts say the best protection is awareness.

Pregnant moms can transmit Chagas to their fetus. It's also been passed through organ donations and blood tranfusions. That's why more testing protocols are in place when donating blood and organs. Pets can get it if they're bitten or if they swallow an infected bug.

Radhakrishna said people should not change their exercise routine. The benefit of hiking outweighs the risk. She just wants people to be aware.