Ever heard of the kissing bug, those cute-as-cockroach bugs that sometimes bite the face or lips of humans? Though these bugs prefer to drink the blood of other mammals, don’t be too surprised if one day you find them crawling up your neck for a kiss.
What is the Triatomine Bug and What Does It Look Like?
Triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs, are a nocturnal nuisance whose main instinct is to find their next blood meal, wherever it may be and at whatever cost is required. What makes them even more dangerous to humans is the fact that they are known to transmit a parasite which in some cases may lead to death.
Kissing bugs are members of the Reduviidae family and are most active during the summer or fall. They specialize in feeding on blood from a range of animals that include rodents, cattle, humans, or their pets. Nymphs, the immature bugs, measure a few millimeters in length while their adult counterparts are on average about 2 centimeters long. They are also called conenose bugs because of the shape of their heads.
Triatomine bugs also have black or brown bodies and feature an elongated proboscis which allows them to pierce the flesh of their prey and feed on blood.
Where are the Triatomine Bugs Found?
These pests are common in areas that include the southern region of North American, as well as Central and South America. In the States, most of the triatomine species reside in areas like Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
Kissing bugs reside in both forested and dry areas. They may live in burrows or nests and feed on their victims as they sleep. You may also find them in kennels or any other location where your pets reside, as triatomine bugs are attracted to the heat and carbon dioxide mammal’s release. Feeding may last as long as 25 minutes after which they usually rest during the daytime hours.
During the daytime, you may find them lurking in dark crevices, behind furniture or under wood piles or even garbage.
What is Chagas Disease?
Many folks get scared when they hear about Chagas disease, and it’s no wonder. This is a serious disease which may result in flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, vomiting, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Moreover, advanced cases of the disease may result in more life-threatening ailments such as heart failure. This occurs as many organs including the heart and intestines may experience irreparable damage due to the spread of the disease in the body.
Children are most susceptible to the disease and may experience Romaña’s sign, i.e. swelling near the eyelids, before any other symptoms occur.
Can I Get the Chagas Disease From the Triatomine Bug?
Anyone who is bitten by a triatomine bug has a chance of becoming infected by the triatomine disease. However, studies suggest that infection from the bug is rare as it is passed on through the feces of the bugs. The triatomine bug would need to first be infected with the parasite that causes the disease in the first place, i.e. the Trypanosoma cruzi.
In addition to having the parasite within its system, the bug would also need to bite and feed on the human, and defecate on the wound. Even in those cases, there is no guarantee that you would become infected as the parasite would most likely pass within your system if the bite wound is irritated or scratched. According to a CNN report, only one case of the disease occurs in every 900- 4000 occurrences of contact between those bitten by the triatomine bug. Of note, in the past 50 years, only 40 human infection of Chagas disease have occurred. That’s less than one infection per year on average.
Though the disease is rare, it’s very important nonetheless to avoid it at all costs as it is untreatable and could even lead to death. To best prevent Chagas disease, reduce triatomine bug populations within your home and surroundings through pest control measures. These may include sealing cracks, repair screens in attic, and crawl space vents and caulk opening around utility lines. If a bite does occur, avoid scratching it. Reduce itchiness by using a medicated cream.