back to top

Deadly Kissing Bugs: What to Know About Chagas Disease

California Kissing Bugs May Cause Fatal Infection.

Share

Kissing bugs, a blood-feeding insect, have made their way into Southern California, raising concerns about the spread of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection that can cause chronic health problems and even death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These bugs are now found in wooded areas like Griffith Park and are known to bite the face, particularly around the mouth and eyes—earning them their nickname. Apart from California, kissing bugs have been detected in 32 other states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. They feed on humans, pets, and wild animals, transmitting the parasite mainly through bites, as noted by Texas A&M’s Kissing Bugs program.

Scientists have called on the CDC and WHO to declare Chagas disease endemic in the US, after at least eight Americans caught the infection locally.

What is Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is caused by a protozoan parasite. While the infection may be mild initially, missed or delayed treatment can turn it into a life-threatening condition, warns the WHO.

Symptoms of Chagas Disease

Chagas disease manifests in two phases:

Initial Phase (First 2 Months)

  • Fever, headache, and enlarged lymph nodes
  • Muscle pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal or chest pain
  • Pallor and rare skin lesions or purplish swelling of the eyelid

Chronic Phase (Years Later)

  • Parasites hide in the heart and digestive muscles
  • Up to one-third of patients develop cardiac disorders
  • Around 1 in 10 suffer digestive, neurological, or mixed problems
  • Can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, progressive heart failure, and sudden death

How to Treat Chagas Disease

Chagas disease can be treated with benznidazole or nifurtimox, which are most effective when administered early.

WHO notes that treatment efficacy decreases the longer a person is infected, and these medications should not be given to pregnant women or patients with kidney, liver, or neurological conditions.

Even asymptomatic adults can benefit from early treatment to curb disease progression.

- Advertisement -

Prevention and Awareness

While the parasite has been found in local wildlife such as rats and skunks, it is transmitted mainly through kissing bug bites. Experts emphasize that awareness and vigilance are the best protection. Insect repellents are not recommended for the face, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

Being informed about kissing bugs, symptoms of Chagas disease, and preventive measures is key to reducing risk.

- Advertisement -
President-elect Donald Trump

Trump Speaks to Ranchers: Calls for Understanding

President Trump on Wednesday defended his tariff policies and called on American cattle ranchers to reduce their...

Related Articles

President-elect Donald Trump
News

Trump Speaks to Ranchers: Calls for Understanding

President Trump on Wednesday defended his tariff policies and called on American cattle ranchers to reduce their prices, amid controversy over his plan to...
best-couch-covers-for-pets

Pet Food Recall: FDA Flags Salmonella Concerns

Pet food manufacturer Foodynamics has voluntarily recalled several dog and cat treat brands due to potential salmonella contamination, according to an alert from the...
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

“Keep Dreaming”: Khamenei Fires Back at Trump

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, strongly dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that American airstrikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities. Addressing the claims,...
Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s New Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister after winning a landmark vote to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic...