“Kising bugs” don’t really kiss — they bite. And that bite could spread a parasite, leading to a potentially deadly disease researchers say is now endemic in the U.S.
Researchers from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, the University of California and the Texas Department of State Health Services argued in a recent study that Chagas disease, a parasitic condition transmitted by the blood-sucking “kissing bug,” has a high enough presence in the U.S. to be considered endemic, a regularly occurring disease.
The insects, actually named triatomine bugs, have been spotted in Indiana over the past decade, but so far there haven’t been any reports of Chagas disease in the state.
Here’s a look at what researchers found and where the disease has spread.
‘Kissing bugs’ spread Chagas disease. What is it?
Since 2013, Texas A&M University’s Kissing Bug Community Science program has received reports of about 10,000 “kissing bugs” in 31 states. About 50% of a tested subset of these bugs were found positive for the Chagas parasite, Sarah Hamer, Texas A&M Veterinary Integrative Biosciences professor told USA TODAY.
Of the 31 states where these bugs have been found over the past decade, humans were reported to have locally contracted Chagas disease from these bugs in eight states, Hamer added. This means that humans contracted this disease domestically, rather than through international travel.
Chagas disease, or informally known as “kissing bug” disease, is a condition caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, according to the CDC. The parasite can be carried by triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs.”
If a triatomine bites and sucks the blood of an infected host, the bug then becomes a carrier for the parasite. The triatomine then passes the parasite through its droppings. If these droppings come into contact with a cut in the skin, eyes or mouth, it can lead to infection, the CDC said.
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?
In the accute phase of Chagas disease, the CDC outlines the following common symptoms:
Additional symptoms can last over a longer period. According to the CDC, about 20-30% of those infected with Chagas disease experience serious symptoms.
Has ‘kissing bug’ disease been found in Indiana?
The insects have been reported in Indiana, but, according to Texas A&M’s research program, no human cases of Chagas disease have been found yet in the Hoosier state.
Where in the U.S. has Chagas disease spread to humans?
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Should you get tested for Chagas disease?
According to the CDC, you should consider getting tested if:
What’s the treatment for Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is treated by antiparasitic treatment, which kills the parasite that causes the disease, and symptomatic treatment, which helps manage symptoms, according to the CDC.
What’s a triatomine, or ‘kissing bug’?
Triatomines, or “kissing bugs,” are nocturnal bugs that feed on blood, according to Texas A&M University’s Kissing Bug Community Science program. These bugs can feed on people, domestic animals and wildlife. They feed multiple times over their lives and take several minutes to take in a full meal, the program’s website states. Unlike ticks, kissing bugs do not attach to a host.
Native to North America, Central America and South America, there are 11 different kissing bugs in the United States.
Adult kissing bugs grow to be about half an inch to an inch long. They hatch small eggs and can live up to two years, according to the program’s website.
Contributing: Carlie Procell, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘Kissing bugs’ aren’t as cute as they sound. See how they’re spreading Chagas disease
Reporting by Greta Cross and Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
