Gabriel L. Hamer, Texas A&M University
Kissing Bugs found in Texas
Despite the lighthearted label as the “kissing bug”, the bugs that have taken over several U.S. states carry a dangerous parasite.
The kissing bug, also known as triatomine, is a nocturnal insect that survives on blood, often biting the faces of people and animals. Chagas disease comes from the aftermath of the bite, when they defecate near the site of the bite. Their droppings carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that can cause infection when rubbed into the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are considering the reclassification of Chagas disease as endemic in the United States. It’s currently classified as non-endemic in the U.S. by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), although considered endemic in 21 other countries in the Americas.
In a CDC report, researchers noted that “labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting.”
It is estimated that about 8 million individuals are suffering from Chagas disease worldwide, with roughly 280,000 being U.S. citizens. Louisiana is among the eight states with confirmed locally transmitted cases.
Chagas disease typically remains dormant, causing infected individuals to remain unaware of their condition until serious heart or digestive issues kick in. According to Judith Currier, chief of infectious diseases at UCLA Health, most individuals with Chagas disease are unaware of their condition until it’s too late for effective treatment.
The argument for Chagas to be reclassified as endemic intends to strengthen individuals’ ability to detect the disease, further develop physician training for the disease, and bring greater prevention measures to the public. The CDC concluded that a reclassification “could improve surveillance, research, and public health responses,” according to a report. The CDC’s current classification of Chagas as non-endemic has contributed to low public awareness and underdiagnosis, according to the report.
Experts advise people to limit their potential exposure by sealing wall gaps, clearing nearby rodent nests, and avoiding interaction with insects indoors. If encountered with a kissing bug, place it in a bag and freeze it for several days; afterwards, submit the bug to be tested and identified. Crushing or killing a suspected kissing bug is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of exposure to the disease.