The Center for Disease Control sent out a warning to the people of Tennessee that “Kissing” Bugs are in the state.
Professor of Entomology, Dr. Frank A Hale with the University of Tennessee Extension, said the bugs are known for biting humans and other mammals, opening them up to the possibility of contracting Chagas Disease.
“They often feed around the face, around the mucus membranes, the eyes, the mouth, things like that.” Hale said explained.
Chagas Disease is not caused by the Kissing Bug bites themselves, but by the feces from Kissing Bugs.
Sometimes the feces can enter the body through the mouth near where the bugs bite humans, or the feces can enter into someone’s system through the bites themselves.
Hale said while bites can happen, actually contracting the disease in the United States is rare.
“I’ve never even heard of anybody getting Chagas Disease in the states, apparently they do, but it’s such a low number that you don’t hear much about it.” Hale said.
According to the University of Tennessee, only one person has contracted Chagas in Tennessee, a child who swallowed the bug years ago.
While it is rare that someone gets bit, symptoms can be severe.
According to the Agriculture and Life Sciences department at Texas A&M, Chagas can lead to fever, fatigue, aches, vomiting, and in severe cases, death.
Entomologists like Dr. Hale say this information isn’t meant to scare you, but to educate you.
“There is no reason to be afraid, its just being aware.” Hale said. “Sometimes we put these things out there because we think people need to be aware that there is a potential problem.”
If you come across a Kissing Bug, its suggested you don’t smash it, as your pets may end up eating the bug and getting Chagas, or you could get part of the bug on your hand which could in turn leave you open to infection.
Experts say the best thing to do is to kill the bug with bug spray, or to sweep them out of your home.
The chances of getting bit by a Kissing Bug and contracting Chagas are very low, but if you do get bit and start to feel sick, you should see a doctor.
For more information, you can visit the CDC’s website.
