The CDC is warning people of a deadly bug that can be found in Arkansas and other states. Here’s what we know about the insect.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people of a deadly bug that can be found in Arkansas and other states.
The insect is known scientifically as Triatominae and commonly by its nickname the “kissing bug.”
The insect has the ability to transmit Chagas disease. an illness that is primarily found in the rural areas of Mexico, Central America and South America.
Recently Chagas disease has been reported in 32 states and out of those states, eight states have reported human cases. Those states are as follows: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.
The CDC has said that roughly 8 million globally have the disease, which includes roughly 280,000 in the United States.
Health officials with the CDC said that many times people are unaware that they even know they have the illness, but that if the illness is left untreated it can be deadly.
Here’s what you need to know about the disease and the insect:
What does the “kissing bug” look like?
The kissing bug is primarily known for its distinctive orange-red to yellowish markings on its body and wings. According to the CDC, here’s a look at the key characteristics for the insect:
- Orange-red to yellowish horizontal markings covering less than one-fourth of abdominal segment
- Mouthparts relatively hairless
- Pronotum black with orange-red to yellowish side and top margins
- Tip of scutellum long, narrow
- Distinctive orange-red to yellowish markings on wings
How is Chagas disease spread?
According to the CDC, Chagas disease is caused by a parasite named Trypanosoma cruzi — this parasite is usually spread through contact with the “kissing bugs.”
Health professionals shared that the kissing bugs bite and suck blood animals and people who are infected, which causes the insects to then become infected with the parasite.
After biting, the bugs poop, and the poop has the parasite within it. From there, if the insect’s poop gets in someone’s body either through a cut, eyes, or mouth, it can lead to an infection.
CDC officials said that people could subconsciously rub the feces into a cut, eyes, or mouth without even knowing it.
Symptoms of Chagas disease in adults
Health professionals said that shortly after infection, a type of eyelid swelling known as Romaña’s sign may appear.
Other signs may include:
- Fever
- Feeling tired
- Body aches
- Headache
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Others impacted by the disease may experience symptoms for years or a lifetime — health officials said that is known as the “chronic phase of infection,” and can include heart and digestive issues.
Avoiding the “kissing bugs”
Currently, there are no vaccines or drugs that can prevent Chagas disease, according to the CDC.
As a result, health officials emphasized that it’s important to protect yourself through preventative measures. Here’s a look at prevention measures you can take:
- Staying in well-built places when traveling
- Using insecticides and bug spray
- Wearing clothes that cover your skin
- Not eating raw fruits and vegetables (the infection can be acquired orally or via contaminated food).
For more information on Chagas disease, you can click here.
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