Bite of a Kissing Bug Causes Chagas Disease

Most of the insects that find their way into your home are harmless, but the kissing bug isn’t one of them. This nasty bloodsucker can transmit Chagas disease, which can cause chronic, sometimes deadly, infections, and its presence in the United States is increasing. Protect yourself by knowing these facts...

Kissing bugs have been documented in 28 U.S. states, the most recent being Delaware. Many doctors are unaware that people can catch the disease here in the U.S., which can become chronic and lead to heart disease if left untreated. Early symptoms are often mistaken as the flu. You can protect yourself by keeping your home free of debris and keeping outside lighting turned off as much as possible. See where kissing bugs like to hide...

Kissing Bugs in the U.S.

Kissing bugs, or triatomines, have been known to exist in the southern and eastern states since the 1860s. Since then, 11 species, 10 of which are potential carriers of the deadly Chagas disease, have been identified in 28 U.S. states. Kissing bugs got their name because they tend to bite people near their mouths, while they are sleeping. They love to hide in bark and brush piles, as well as under rocks, cement and wood. You can also find them inside dog kennels, chicken coops, mud walls and homes that have been poorly constructed.

Kissing bugs have a reputation for defecating during or shortly after feeding on a host, usually on the face near the mouth. The fecal matter is where the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease, resides. When infected fecal matter comes into contact with the wound, or is rubbed into the person's mouth or eyes, the victim becomes infected. Luckily, only one species of kissing bug found in the U.S., Triatoma rubida, is believed to defecate while eating, and it only does this occasionally.

Kissing bugs usually have cone-shaped heads, thin legs and thin antennae; they are mainly black or very dark brown, with red, orange or yellow stripes on the edges of their bodies. If you get bit by a kissing bug it isn't painful.  They are mainly active at dusk or during the night time. 

Chagas Disease in the U.S.

Chagas disease was first documented in the United States in 1934, in California. Only 28 domestically contracted cases have been confirmed since then, but countless more have likely gone unreported. This is because many doctors in the U.S. are unaware of the disease or have not been notified that it exists in our country.

In fact, according to a PBS report, even informed patients often have a hard time convincing their doctors to test them. The initial symptoms can be vague and flu-like, and many people end up turned away when they push to have Chagas disease ruled out. Currently, about 300,000 people in the U.S. have it, although most cases were contracted outside the country. Chagas disease is most prevalent in Central and South America, affecting approximately 8 million people. 

Because Chagas disease is often mistaken for the flu the disease goes unnoticed in many people. But an estimated 30% of infected, untreated people will develop severe cardiac disease up to 30 years later. In Latin America, Chagas is considered to be a leading cause of cardiac complications, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths each year. 

Two medications can treat the infection, but neither is FDA approved because they’re so rarely needed here. You can have your doctor prescribe the medications under investigational protocols through the CDC, which may require them to work around a bit of red tape.

Most Recent Kissing Bug Sighting

The most recent state to add kissing bugs to its list is Delaware. This happened after a girl was bitten in the face in her bedroom while watching TV late at night. Her parents had the insect identified after they became concerned about the possibility of disease.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) helped to identify the insect. They then sent it to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to have it confirmed as a kissing bug and tested for Chagas disease. Luckily, the insect tested negative for the infection.

Safety First

The insects are active at night and can be attracted to lights, so keep outdoor lights off when you don’t need them. Keep your home clear of trash and debris, and seal any cracks where insects might enter. If you find a kissing bug (or what you think is a kissing bug) in your home, preserve it whole in alcohol and have it tested.

Kissing bugs could be more prevalent in the U.S. than previously thought, and although Chagas disease transmission here is rare, it can happen. Be aware, take preventative measures, and insist on testing if you think a loved one might be infected. 

~Here’s to Your Health and Wellness