Live triatomine bug, vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), found engorged in Lisbon hotel room: A first for Portugal and for Europe

Triatomine bugs are blood feeding insects that transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. The bugs are found primarily in the Americas with a few species in Asia and Africa. Here we report the first case of a live triatomine bug in Europe, found in a Lisbon hotel room. In August, 2025, the hotel room occupants discovered a triatomine bug perched on the headboard of their bed. Upon capture, bright red blood emerged from the bug; the occupants suspected that it had bitten them during the night. The bug was identified morphologically as triatomine species Hospesneotomae protracta, which was confirmed molecularly. Hospesneotomae protracta is native to the southwestern United States where it is a competent T. cruzi vector. Trypanosoma cruzi was not detected in this specimen. Although this case likely represents an accidental importation, it illustrates the ease with which disease vectors can be unknowingly transported globally. Ergo it is crucial to document and share these findings to prevent introductions of non-native arthropods of medical importance.