The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance about the triatomine bug, usually called the “kissing bug,” which can carry a parasite that is dangerous to humans.
Although the bug might seem harmless, it can transmit the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. Once it enters the body, this parasite causes Chagas disease, which affects an estimated 6 to 8 million people worldwide.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
Left untreated, Chagas disease can cause serious heart problems and can be life-threatening. Early symptoms may appear in the first weeks after contact with the bug, and many people have mild symptoms or none at all. They can include headaches, fever, muscle pain, enlarged lymph glands, and difficulty breathing. As you can see, these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, so it is hard to recognize the real cause. Other signs include swelling of the eyelid or a skin lesion at the site of the bite.
Years later, up to 30 percent of infected people develop cardiac problems, while up to 10 percent develop problems with digestion. There is no vaccine for Chagas disease, but antiparasitic treatment is most effective when started early. If you think you have been bitten, see a doctor and ask about testing.
The infection is more likely to spread if a person rubs or scratches the bite, since the bug usually defecates near the bite and the parasite can enter through the wound. In the United States, kissing bugs are found mostly in the southern states.
Where Kissing Bugs Hide
- Stone structures and cracks in walls;
- Chicken coops;
- Rock and wood piles around the house;
- Dog houses and kennels.
How to Protect Your Home
- Seal each crack around doors, windows, and walls of the house;
- Remove piles of stone and wood near the house;
- Place your yard lights away from your home;
- Keep your house and pet sleeping areas clean;
- Do not touch or squash the bug with bare hands. Place a container over it and seal it;
- If you notice kissing bugs, contact your local health department or a pest control professional.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.