New Popular Disease: The Kissing Bug

The Kissing Bug disease trending online lately – along with pictures of the little troublemaker, a dark insect about the size of a penny, sporting orange and red patterns on its sides.

Officially known as Chagas disease, this kissing bug disease is found in 21 countries throughout Latin America.

Kissing Bugs Disease

Triatomine bugs – also known as kissing bugs are bloodsucking insects that often bite people’s faces, giving them their grim nickname.

Approximately half of these bugs carry a parasite that leads to Chagas disease, which is transmitted when the insects defecate.

If you scratch the bite or rub your
eyes, you might inadvertently introduce the infected fecal material into your body.

Kissing bugs have been spotted in 32
states.

The majority of others contracted the disease in Latin America before traveling or immigrating to the United States.

Additionally, there have been instances of local transmission in people across 8 states: California, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

Signs And Symptoms

A lot of folks might not even notice they’ve been bitten by a kissing bug, some might deal with minor swelling, itching, or an allergic reaction.
In the days or weeks following an infection, Chagas disease can lead to a fever, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.
If people experience eyelid swelling. If symptoms do occur, they typically go away on their own.

Approximately 70% of patients won’t experience any long term symptoms, but some may go on to develop serious heart issues.

The initial symptoms can be quite mild, like an irregular heartbeat, but for certain patients, the first indication of infection could be a stroke or even sudden cardiac death.

There are two medications available that can eliminate the parasite and treat this illness, although they are generally more effective when initiated shortly after the infection occurs.

What Steps Can Take?

1)Kissing bugs sometimes make their way into homes and can also be spotted in kennels and hunting lodges, as dogs, raccoons, possums, and skunks often carry them.

2)To lower the chances of these bugs entering your home, think about putting up window and door screens and sealing any gaps in those screens or in your walls.

3)It might also be a good idea to consult an exterminator if you’ve noticed kissing bugs in or around your property.

Plus, make sure to clear away any nearby wood piles or other clutter, since these bugs like to hang out there.

4)If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Chagas disease, it’s a good idea to get tested since the bugs are likely in your home.

5)Women who can become pregnant should be especially cautious, as Chagas disease can be transmitted to a fetus but isn’t typically screened for during prenatal check ups.

If kissing bugs are present in your area or if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

DISCLAIMER: This article is derived from information available in the public domain.It’s always a good idea to check your doctor before beginning any new routine.

Kissing Bugs Disease

Signs And Symptoms

What Steps Can Take?

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