Home Care In El Paso, TX

These insects are crossing the border, bringing yet another infectious disease to the USA

Parasite-infected insects are creeping closer to El Paso homes, with research now showing a sharp rise in infection rates among triatomine bugs collected near the U.S.-Mexico border.

University of Texas at El Paso researchers discovered that 22 of 26 triatomine insects, better known as “kissing bugs,” tested positive for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. That’s an 84.6% infection rate. Scientists found infected bugs near residential properties, hiding under outdoor furniture, stacked firewood, and wooden structures in El Paso County and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The findings, published in , identify a worrisome shift for border communities. Seven years ago, a regional study documented a 63.3% infection rate among the same insect species. The new data represents a 21.3% increase.

“Infected vectors were identified at nearly all sampling locations,” the research team writes, “highlighting the encroachment of infected vectors into areas with direct human exposure.“

Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona sit on the frontlines of an expanding public health challenge. While approximately 10 triatomine species have been documented in the United States, Mexico harbors more than 30 confirmed species of these blood-feeding insects.

The proximity creates vulnerability. Shared ecological corridors, human mobility across the border, and similar desert climates mean insects and parasites don’t respect international boundaries. Research has documented infected vectors across the southern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

An estimated 6 to 7 million people worldwide carry the Chagas parasite, with over 300,000 infected individuals in the United States. Evidence suggests local transmission can occur in the U.S., and researchers have raised concerns about autochthonous transmission in border regions.

Despite this evidence, Chagas disease remains largely invisible to the American healthcare system. Most states don’t require reporting, and the disease often goes undiagnosed.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, researchers collected 26 adult triatomine insects from sites spanning wild parkland and urban neighborhoods. Every specimen was identified as Triatoma rubida, a species well-adapted to the Chihuahuan Desert’s harsh, arid environment. No nymphs were detected during this surveillance period.

Of those 26 bugs, 22 tested positive for T. cruzi using DNA analysis. Both male and female insects carried the parasite.

In Franklin Mountains State Park, infected bugs emerged from their typical wild refuges: rocky crevices, dry arroyos, and sheltered spots beneath desert shrubs like lechuguilla and creosote bush. These represent the insects’ natural habitat, where they normally feed on wild rodents, woodrats, and other small mammals.

The concerning discoveries came from urban areas. At two El Paso residential sites, bugs were found near building perimeters, concealed under garden debris and outdoor wooden structures. In Las Cruces, researchers collected an infected specimen from a semi-rural property near an open garage where wooden pallets had been discarded.

The presence of infected vectors in these peridomestic environments creates opportunities for contact with people and pets.

Researchers dissected the bugs’ digestive tracts and extracted DNA for laboratory analysis. Using quantitative PCR, a highly sensitive molecular technique, they detected T. cruzi genetic material in the infected specimens.

Genetic sequencing matched various known parasite clones with similarities ranging from 96.95% to 100%. The results suggest the bugs likely carry the TcI lineage, the most widely distributed Trypanosoma cruzi strain in North and Central America.

However, complete genetic typing wasn’t possible because parasite concentrations in the samples were too low to amplify all necessary genetic markers. The satellite DNA target used for initial detection isn’t validated for definitive strain classification, so researchers couldn’t conclusively determine which specific variants are circulating in the region.

The research team reports that ongoing efforts aim to genotype T. cruzi isolates from collected vectors using multilocus sequence typing and other nuclear markers to better characterize the parasite strains circulating in the region.

The 21.3 percentage-point increase in infection rates raises difficult questions. Has the parasite genuinely spread more widely through insect populations over the past seven years? Are environmental changes pushing more infected bugs into areas near human habitation? Or have detection methods simply improved, revealing infections that were always there but previously missed?

The researchers acknowledge uncertainty. “This change may reflect improved molecular detection, ecological or climatic shifts, or a true intensification of T. cruzi transmission,” they write.

Chagas disease exists in a blind spot of American public health infrastructure. Most states don’t require reporting, limiting the ability to track the disease’s spread or prevalence.

The World Health Organization estimates approximately 6 to 7 million people are infected globally. U.S. figures are likely underestimated due to non-mandatory reporting, limited diagnostic testing access, and lack of awareness among healthcare providers and the general public.

Study authors call for sustained vector surveillance programs, advanced molecular characterization of circulating parasite strains, and focused public health interventions across the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Detection of infected T. rubida near densely populated areas demonstrates the need for monitoring at the urban-wildland interface, particularly in rapidly expanding metro areas like El Paso. The kissing bugs’ presence in peridomestic settings creates more opportunities for human and animal exposure.

The researchers argue that targeted outreach programs in high-risk communities should be essential components of local disease prevention strategies. As human development pushes further into wildlife habitats and cities continue growing outward, evaluating vector infectivity becomes necessary for understanding and monitoring local transmission potential.

Increased awareness of kissing bugs among healthcare providers and the public in affected border communities is absolutely needed. Local transmission cycles of Chagas disease exist in the U.S. Southwest, and border communities face unique exposure risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is based on a peer-reviewed scientific study and should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. If you have concerns about Chagas disease or potential exposure to triatomine insects, consult your doctor or local health department.

High School Basketball

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Boys

Irvin 46, Anthony 38

IHS- Oscar S. 19 pts

Mountain View 42, Harmony 36

Mountain View: Devin Gonzalez 17 points, Deurice Goss 6 points, Raul Rangel 6 points

Coronado 49, Montwood 41

Montwood: Charlie Perez 14 pts, Justin Herrera 10 pts, Sebastian Gutierrez 10 pts. Coronado: RJ Lopez 17 points, Ethan Friday 10 points

Canutillo 55, Ysleta 39

Leading Scorers: Canutillo Jovanni Ortiz 20 pts. Ysleta M. Soria 16 pts

Eastwood 57, Pebble Hills 28

EHS top performers: J. Falk-Ramirez 19 pts J. Dominguez 8 pts. PBHS top performers: N. Koulavengsa 7 pts, J. Aguayo 7 points

Chapin 80, Bowie 55

Bowie: Corralez, Escobar 14 each Camacho 22. Chapin: A Goldsmith 11 points, P Reeves 16 points

Americas 56, Bel Air 36

BA: Adrian Avila 10 pts, Angel Dominguez 10 pts, Xzander Medina 8 pts. Americas: Josh Pichardo 20 pts, Coby Helpley 11 pts, Samuel Morales 11 pts, Elian Herrera 8 pts

El Dorado 62, Horizon 36

El Dorado: J. Villalobos 13 points,. A. Rodriguez 11 points Q. Floyd 10 points. Horizon: Juan Facio 18 points

El Paso High 101, Austin 45

EPHS: Richard Arriaga 21 pts 4 rebs 3 stls, Khaleb Gomez 17 pts 4 stls, Daniel Reyes 11 pts 4 assts 4 rebs, Antonio Moreno 10 pts 3 rebs, Joaquin Gallinar 13 pts 3 rebs

Cathedral 53, Jefferson 20

Jeff: Santiago Armenta 11 pts. Cathedral: Patricio Chavez 17 pts., John Leydon 10 pts.

Burges def. Clint 72-39

Burges: Anthony R. 20 points, JoJo T. 11 points, Jacob L. 10 points.

Andress 73, San Eli 28

SE: Edgar Cadena 9 points. AHS C. Hargrave 14 points, T. Johnson- 13 points, C. Hayward 12 points

Franklin 70, Socorro 32

FHS: F Carrera 17 points, D Jones 14 points. SHS: Josh 11 points

Girls

Burges defeats San Elizario

Burges: Abigail Garduno 22 points, 18 rebounds Melanie Arriaga 16 points Emma Ruz 15 points Alyssa Morales 10 points, 8 assists

Fabens 37, Immanuel Christian 18

Fabens: Angel Quinonez 11 points and Karla Iglesias 9 points Sabrina Sierra 6 points.

Franklin 64, Socorro 22

Franklin: Janelle Lugo 10 pts, Allison De La O 15 points, Jena Karam 13 points, Kyla Winfield 10 points

Montwood 67, Coronado 15

Montwood: Mia Hairston 18 points, Jocelynn Custard 13 points, Jazlynn Hernandez 10 points

El Paso High def. Anthony

EPHS: Odalys Baltazar 21 points Charlize Wayne Hanany 19 points Emma Guevara 13 points

Chapin def. Riverside

Chapin: Aaliyah Russell 10 points, Samantha Wise 18 points, Giselle Villarreal 19 points

Parkland 50, Del Valle 26

Parkland Leading Scorers: Brissa Rubal 8 pts Ellena Stroude 8pts

Eastwood defeats Pebble Hills 63-36

Eastwood: Victoria Duran 24 points, Gabby Flores 14 points, Danika Sifuentes 12 points

Canutillo 53, Clint 20

Canutillo: Nickie Davila 17 pts Liyara Wilkes 17 pts. Clint Lezlie Aponte 8 pts

Andress 43, Irvin 31

Andress: Gulley 14 points, Duncan 16 points

Ysleta 56, Bowie 20

Ysleta: Leading scorers: Kimberly Charles 12 Alexa Estrada 11 points, 12 rebounds Emily Cinco 8 points

Americas 71, Bel Air 29

High School Soccer

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Girls

Hanks 2, Andress 0

Hanks goals: Alyssa Fino, Emerald Lopez

Montwood 1, Chapin 1

Montwood goal: Fernanda Salas

Franklin 4, Bel Air 0

Franklin goals: Isabel Ramirez 3 goals, Kristen Vidal 1 goal

EPISD 2026 Girls Soccer Tournament

Hosted by Chapin High School

Friday, January 2-Saturday, January 3

All Tournament Team

Chapin-Stephanie Aguilera

Chapin-Jocelynne Diaz Torres

Burges-Mia Esparza

Burges-Camila Pen?a

Americas-Anabella Escobar

Americas-Mandalyn Granillo

Franklin-Scarlett Orwig

Fraklin-Taylor Martin-Collins

Pebble Hills-Camila Aveytia

Pebble Hills-Iliany Peralta

San Elizario-Lia Salido

San Elizario-Allison Cervantes

Boys

El Dorado 1, Bowie 0

El Dorado goal: Edrick Hernandez.

Chapin 2, Montwood 0

Chapin: Jonathan Reyes 1 goal, Diego Moreno 1 goal

Cathedral 4, Irvin 0

Cathedral goals: Ruiz, Valenzuela, Hernandez, Garcia

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at [email protected]; @Fchavezeptimes on X

Shayan Afridi and Rashid Ali continued their stellar form in the United States

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s promising junior tennis players, Shayan Afridi and Rashid Ali, delivered an outstanding performance to secure the El Paso Junior Open Doubles Title at the El Paso Tennis Club in Texas, USA.

The two young players are currently in the United States and recently competed in the highly regarded Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship in Miami during the second week of December. Entry into the main draw of this prestigious tournament is considered a major milestone, as it attracts the finest junior talent from around the world.

After the conclusion of the Orange Bowl Championship, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), with the support of the BARD Foundation, facilitated a one-month training and competition tour in Texas for Shayan Afridi and Rashid Ali. The program is being conducted under the guidance of renowned ATP-Certified Coach Eduardo Vicencuo Lalovic.

Continuing his excellent form, Shayan Afridi captured the singles title at the same venue last week, and together with Rashid Ali, followed it up by winning the doubles title, underlining the duo’s steady improvement and competitive growth.

Commenting on their success, Mr. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President-PTF, said: Shayan Afridi and Rashid Ali are exceptionally talented young players and symbolize the bright future of Pakistan tennis. Gaining entry into the main draw of the Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship is a remarkable achievement, considering the high level of competition from the world’s top junior players. Both players demonstrated their potential by competing confidently at that level.

The President-PTF also thanked the BARD Foundation for sponsoring the tour and the one-month training program in the United States. The President-PTF once again expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Consulate General, Lahore, for the prompt issuance of visas to the players. Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, also expressed his happiness and congratulated both players on their outstanding success. He also thanked the BARD Foundation for sponsoring

High School Basketball

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Boys

Montwood 63, Centennial (NM) 52

Montwood: Justin Herrera 20 pts Isaiah Miranda 13 pts Devin Mendoza 10 pts

Franklin Holiday Tournament

Bowie 50, Del Valle 41

Bowie: Eddie Gutierrez 14 points, Derek Montanez 11 points, Johan Comacho 11 points

El Dorado 51, San Elizario 28

SE: Jon Cruz 16 points. ED Jacob Villalobos 11 points

Chapin 45, Americas 44

Americas: Pichardo, Helpley, and Morales 10 pts each. Chapin: CHS B Flood 13 points

Franklin 61, Cathedral 28

FHS: T Jones 20 points. CHS: P Chavez 13 points

Coronado 57, Chapin 49

COR: E Friday 16 points. CHA K Lawrence 12 points

Americas 61, Bowie 31

Bowie: Camacho 15 points. Americas: Salinas 15 points

Riverside Tournament

Riverside 52, Gadsden 42

Riverside: Damien Valles 17 points, Servando Avitia 10 points. GHS: Jose Alvarez 14 points, Troy Vargas 10 points, Damian Augustin 10 points.

LPI 54, Jefferson 43

LPI: Diego Figueroa 16 points, Jose Dioncio 11 points, Maximo Franco 11 points. Jefferson: Santiago Armneta 14 points, Jaden Carbajal - 15 points

Chaparral 39, LPI 23

LPI: Geraldo Tellez 9 points. Chaparral: Daniel Maruffo 19 points

Byron Johnston Tourney in Midland

Eastlake 73, Midland Lee 51

Eastlake Leading Scorers Caleb Gutierrez 28 points, Braeden Quigley 17 points

Hanks 64, Midland High 52

Hanks: Jacob Perez 25 points, Sebastian Martinez 13 pts, Ryan Cardenas 11 pts

Hays Hangry Joe’s Classic Gold Bracket Semifinal

Hays High 59, Pebble Hills 44

PHHS: Jordan Williams 17 points

Girls

Hobbs Tournament

Americas 68, Las Cruces Mayfield 38

Americas: Medrano 15 points, Marquez 15 points, Herrera 14 points, Atkins 10 points

Eastlake Shoot-Out

Montwood 47, Hanks 33

Hanks: Emery Puga 11 points. Montwood: Jocelynn Custard 11 points, Mia Hairston 10 points

Eastlake beats Austin

Eastlake: Alana Drayton 19 pts Karina Ramos-Jurado 12 pts

Eastlake defeats El Dorado

Eastlake: Karina Ramos-Jurado 14 pts Kaylin Salazar 10 pts Jaylin Villa 10 pts

Burges defeats Coronado 65-40

Burges: Abigail Garduno 21 points, 10 rebounds, Melanie Arriaga 16 points, 10 rebounds ,Alyssa Morales 10 points, 9 assists

Irvin Girls Basketball Tournament

Parkland 40, Jefferson 24

Parkland Leading Scorers: Arianna Mettler 11 pts Gracie Perez 9 pts Amelia Martinez 7 pts

Ysleta 41, Bowie 15

Ysleta: Leading scorers: Kimberly Charles 9 points Destiny Quintana 7 points Lynnette Munoz 6 points Audrina Landavazo 5 points, 11 rebounds

Irvin 43, Ysleta 27

Yssleta: Audrina Landavazo 12 points, 13 rebounds Kimberly Charles 8 points. Irvin: Jayanna Rascon 18 points, Jazlyn Burciaga 10 points, Swlenne Alvidrez 6 points

Gadsden 42, El Paso High 33

Monday, Dec. 29

Boys

Riverside Tourney

Riverside 51, LPI 48

Riverside: Damien Valles 17 points, Servando Avitia 13 points, Carlos Rojas 8 points. LPI: Gerardo Tellez 18 points

Gadsden 44, LPI 39

Gadsden: Joe Alvarez 13 points. LPI: Diego Figueroa 18 points

Chaparral 35, Jefferson 28

Chaparral: Daniel Maruffo 16 points.l Jefferson: Santiago Amenta 16 points

Jefferson 40, EPLA 35

Jefferson: Santiago Armenta 21 points. EPLA: Rob Ferguson 17, Bernard Ferguson 11

Riverside 62, Chaparral 43

Eivertside: Carlos Rojas 14 points, Servando Avitia 23 points, Damien Valles 9 points. Chaparral: Daniel Maruffo 12 points, Diego Chavira 13 points

EPLA 72, Gadsden 66

Franklin Holiday Tournament

Franklin 62, Bowie 27

FHS: H Brack 18 points. BHS J Camacho 9 points

Cathedral 60, Del Valle 33

CHS J Leydon 30 points. DHS T Churchill 16 points

Americas 53, San Elizario 29

AHS: E Saunas 11 points. SEHS> J Cruz 8 points

Coronado 44, El Dorado 41

CHS: R Lopez 15 points. EHS J Villalobos 14 points

Hays Hanger Joe’s Classic

Pebble Hills 68, Cedar Creek 40

PHHS: Jordan Williams 21 points, Elijah Maldonado 12 points, Jordan Aguayo 11 points. CHS Ruvalcaba 17 points

Pebble Hills 51, La Joya High 38

PHHS: Ethan Joens 15 points Noel Fore 10 points

Caprock Tournament

Eastwood 56, Frenship Memorial 32

Eastwood: J. Dominguez 11 pts. J. Falk-Ramirez 11 pts

Boerne Holiday Classic

Burges 62, Boerne 60

Burges: Rubio 25 points, Sanchez 14 points

Boerne Champion 64, Burges 44

Burges: Rubio 14 points

Byron Johnston Holiday Tournament

Weatherford 62, Hanks 54

Hanks: Perez 20 points, Saucedo 14 points, Martinez 12 points

Burleson Centennial 59, Eastlake 53

Girls

Eastlake Shoot-Out

Burges defeats El Dorado

Burges: Abigail Garduno 15 points, 11 rebounds, Melanie Arriaga 11 points

Eastlake 54, Hanks 46

Hanks: Elise Alva 12 pts 10 rebounds, Avah Diaz 11 points. Eastlake: Alana Drayton 19 pts, Amanda Aragon 10 pts, Ari Galvan 10 pts

Montwood 58, El Dorado 19

Montwood: Jocelynn Custard 18 points, Mia Hairston 12 points, Jazlynn Hernandez 10 points

Hobbs (NM) Tournament

Farmington (NM) 59, Americas 54

Americas: Marquez 15 points, Medrano 14 points, Brooks 10 points

Irvin Tourney

El Paso High 45, Fabens 15

EPHS: Emma Guevara 7 points, Marley Montanez 6 points, Dana Hernandez 6 points, Charlie Wayne-Hanany 6 points

Chaparral (NM) 40, Ysleta 37

Yslwta Leading scorers: Kimberly Charles 12 points Audrina Landavazo 6 points, 12 rebounds

Parkland 40, Jefferson 24

Parkland Leading Scorers: Arianna Mettler 11 pts Gracie Perez 9 pts Amelia Martinez 7 pts

Gadsden 36, Bowie 11

Santa Teresa 66, Irvin 60

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at [email protected]; @Fchaveptimes on X

A new 2026 Travel Trends Forecast from vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo has unveiled the top U.S. cities that are on travelers' minds for the next year, and one unsuspecting far West Texas city was included on the list: El Paso.

El Paso was named one of six most sought-after "Rising Star Destinations" in the Southwest and Mountain West regions. Search trends revealed traveler interest in El Paso skyrocketed 191 percent year-over-year, with vacationers pining after "desert landscapes" and "frontier-style towns with modern Western flair."

To determine where travelers are planning on booking their 2026 vacations, HomeToGo surveyed 1,000 American adults from November 26-28, 2025 to discover which locales offer "both affordability and under-the-radar appeal." Search interest and price insights were based on observed searches executed via HomeToGo's website from August 1-November 15, 2025, with a check-in date during 2026.

The reports findings show the vacation accommodations in El Paso cost a median $62.21 per night, making the city a reputation for being more affordable than Texas' major cities like Dallas or Houston. HomeToGo also said travelers are "increasingly turning to smaller [Southwestern] towns" to find accommodations rather than booking a stay at a large resort.

Additionally, younger travelers like Gen Zers and Millennials are driving the shift toward these hidden gem destinations after collecting inspiration from social media sites like Instagram and TikTok.

"Western destinations are seeing a rise in interest, fueled by a broader cultural moment that has placed such locations firmly in the spotlight," the report's author wrote. "In 2025, artists such as Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter brought fresh takes on the visual language of country music firmly into the mainstream, with this movement further amplified across social media platforms."

There's plenty to do in the self-proclaimed "Sun City," such as hiking in Franklin Mountains State Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visiting local museums, and much more.

Other top "Neo-Western Revival" destinations to visit in 2026 include:

"According to the survey findings, 76 percent of U.S. travelers plan to go on vacation in 2026, with over a quarter (26 percent) actively booking longer and more extravagant breaks," the report said. "Fifty-seven percent plan to spend more on vacations in comparison to 2025, indicating that the appetite for travel is clearly growing."