The hype surrounding the 'kissing bug'

Nevada Daily Mail

If you have been on social media lately, chances are you have seen the hype about the "kissing bug." Headlines from Kansas City to St. Louis and posts on social media have contributed to what could be considered outright panic in some cases regarding the "kissing bug" and the spread of the Chagas disease.

The reality is not so dramatic although it does cause concern. The "kissing bug" or Triatoma sanguisuga are part of a subfamily of assassin bugs, which feed on the blood of other animals. They are most common in Central and South America but can be found in other parts of the world. Some species can be found across the southern half of the U.S. but typically do not carry the parasite that causes Chagas.

According to the Center for Disease Control and the University of Missouri Extension service, the bugs themselves are not the cause of the Chagas disease. Chagas disease is a parasitic infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite lives in the feces of some species of the "kissing bug." Some species of "kissing bug" defecate after feeding on the blood of a host such as cattle, a dog, or a human. The species that inhabit the U.S. do not defecate after feeding on a host such as a dog or human. This reduces the chances of being infected.

They are found mainly in outdoor areas: under porches, in rock and wood piles, under cement, in rodents nests or burrows, dog houses, and chicken coops. The bugs can also be found in cracks and holes in sub-standard housing especially around pet's bedding, bedrooms, and other sleeping accommodations.

There are few records of Chagas transmission in the U.S due to low numbers of infected "kissing bugs" that have the potential to pass the parasite to humans. The CDC lists seven cases of insect-to-human infection in the United States since 1955. Most cases of Chagas found in the U.S. are in migrants from Central and South America.

There are precautions that can be taken against "kissing bugs" and other potentially harmful insects. Cracks and gaps in both interior and exterior walls should be sealed. Windows screens should be in please and not have holes in them. Any brush or debris near the house should be moved. Pets should be kept indoors at night. Good house keeping also helps.

The Chagas disease has two forms, acute and chronic. The Acute phase may or may not be accompanied by symptoms of the infection. In very rare cases, swelling of the brain or the heart may occur.

Chronic infection often goes undetected, and some patients may never develop symptoms over the course of their life. However, in an estimated 20-30 percent, serious and even life threatening symptoms may develop including: heart arrhythmias, a dilated heart that doesn't work correctly, and gastrointestinal problems. Weakened immune systems can increase the severity of the infection.

Remember to check the validity of posts on social media making claims of a new disease or insect spreading into the area. If you think you may be infected, talk to your doctor about your concerns. For more information go to www.cdc.gov.