2. Living Conditions
One risk factor for developing Chagas disease is a person’s living conditions. A person who lives in a very poor area is more likely to develop this disease than someone living in a wealthier part of the world. The disease is not common in the United States. It is most common throughout South America, Central America, and the areas of Mexico.
The kissing bugs thrive in housing conditions that are poor. This includes homes that have thatched roofs or mud walls. In countries where these bugs are present, people who live in more rural areas are more likely to become infected by this disease. These areas have higher numbers of the disease simply because of the lack of proper medical care. These people live in poor conditions and do not often have the best hygiene, which allows the parasite to grow and spread throughout the population.