‘Kissing Bugs‘โ Carrying Chagas Disease โExpand โขAcross the U.S., Raisingโ Public Health Concerns
WASHINGTON – โ The range of theโฃ triatomine bug, commonly known as theโ “kissing bug,” is expandingโค across โฃthe United โฃStates, bringing with it theโฃ risk of Chagas disease,โฃ a parasitic infection that can cause serious heart and โdigestive problems. Whileโ the bugs themselves aren’t inherently dangerous – they don’t typically transmit the parasite with every โขbite – thier increasing presenceโ is prompting health โofficials โฃto raise awareness and encourage preventative measures.
Chagas disease, caused by theโค parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects an estimated 6 to 8 million people in Latin America. though historically rare in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports theโค parasite is now found in 29 states, primarily in โthe southern U.S.,โฃ but increasingly in states as far north as Pennsylvania โขandโค West Virginia. The disease can โbe notably dangerous becauseโ symptomsโข often don’t appear โfor โฃmonths or even years afterโค infection, leaving many unaware they’ve been exposed. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as theโค disease can progress to a chronic phase, though even than, symptoms and complications can be managed.
These nocturnal insects, named for their habitโค of biting sleeping people near the mouth, feed on blood. Accordingโ to texas A&M University, they are typicallyโค found in cracks and crevices of poorly constructed homes, and around animal habitats. Theโ bugsโค don’t actively seek out humans, butโค will โฃenter homes in search ofโฃ a โblood meal.
The CDC recommends several โคpreventative measures, including sealing cracks and crevices โคaround windows and doors, using screens, and keeping indoor areas clean and well-lit. While the bugs can carry the T. cruzi parasite,transmission to โขhumans isn’t guaranteed with โevery bite.Though, if โa bug is foundโ inside a home, the CDCโข advises avoiding handling itโข directly and contacting โlocal health authorities.
Currently,โค there is no vaccine for Chagas disease.Treatment involves anti-parasitic medications, which are โmost effective when administered earlyโค in the infection. โข The World Health Organization estimatesโข approximately 40,000 new cases and 14,000โค deaths occur annually โฃdue toโ Chagas disease globally.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health, National Library of Medicine, ScienceDirect.com,Multidisciplinary digital Publishing Institute,Texas A&M University,Texas Ecological โLaboratory and Worldโฃ Health Organization.