The bugs feed on the blood of mammals, including humans and may carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease, which the CDC says can be fatal if left untreated.
Some people are allergic to kissing bug saliva. The skin near the bite might become red, swollen, and itchy. The most serious risk is anaphylactic shock. That’s when your blood pressure drops and you have trouble breathing.
Subsequently, What do kissing bugs do to you?
Kissing bugs are insects that may be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. They are commonly known as cone-nose bugs or chinches. Kissing bugs feed on blood during the night, and they are called kissing bugs because they prefer to bite humans around the mouth or eyes.
Also, What states is the kissing bug found in?
They’re found in Central and South America and Mexico, but they’re heading north. Most of the world’s kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They’ve also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
Are kissing bugs deadly to humans?
Kissing bugs carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can lead to serious heart and stomach problems.
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Are kissing bugs in Chicago?
CHICAGO (CBS)–An insect that bites humans around the mouth–known by its nickname the ‘kissing bug’–is making its way toward Illinois, the Center for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health said. The bug can cause disease and has already been reported in several U.S. states, including Illinois.
How dangerous are kissing bugs?
Some people are allergic to kissing bug saliva. The skin near the bite might become red, swollen, and itchy. The most serious risk is anaphylactic shock. That’s when your blood pressure drops and you have trouble breathing.
Can Chagas disease kill you?
It is estimated that as many as 8 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America have Chagas disease, most of whom do not know they are infected. If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.
Is the kissing bug in Texas?
In the U.S., kissing bugs live in many southern states. There are 11 different kinds of kissing bugs in the U.S. Most of the reports of the different kissing bugs have come from Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Kissing bugs have been found and documented in the U.S. as early as the mid-1800s.
Where do kissing bugs live in the US?
Most of the world’s kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They’ve also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Kissing bugs have been spotted a far north as Delaware, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Can a kissing bug kill you?
A biting insect prone to chomping on lips — unofficially dubbed the “kissing bug” — has become a terrifying menace after researchers revealed that up to 30 percent of its victims develop life-threatening health problems, including heart disease and sudden death.
What should you do if you get bit by a kissing bug?
– Wash the bites with soap to lower the chance of infection.
– Use calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream to stop the itching. …
– Use an ice pack to stop the swelling.
– See your doctor if you think the bite may be infected.
What do you do if you find a kissing bug?
If you find a kissing bug, the CDC recommends you do not touch or squash it. To help understand the problem and how many carry the disease, the CDC is asking for help. They suggest you place a container on top of the kissing bug for 24 hours, and then seal the bug inside the container.
Are kissing bugs harmful to humans?
Kissing bugs are blood-feeding insects that live in the southern and western United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. They don’t kiss. But they might bite you, probably while you sleep. Most bites are harmless.
Can kissing bugs kill you?
It can be deadly if you don’t get emergency treatment. Chagas Disease. Kissing bugs sometimes have a parasite in their poop that causes Chagas disease.
What US states have kissing bugs?
Most of the world’s kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They’ve also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Kissing bugs have been spotted a far north as Delaware, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
What to do if a kissing bug bites you?
– Wash the bites with soap to lower the chance of infection.
– Use calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream to stop the itching. …
– Use an ice pack to stop the swelling.
– See your doctor if you think the bite may be infected.
What can a kissing bug do to you?
Kissing bugs are insects that may be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. They are commonly known as cone-nose bugs or chinches. Kissing bugs feed on blood during the night, and they are called kissing bugs because they prefer to bite humans around the mouth or eyes.
Are kissing bugs found in Illinois?
CHICAGO (CBS)–An insect that bites humans around the mouth–known by its nickname the ‘kissing bug’–is making its way toward Illinois, the Center for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health said. The bug can cause disease and has already been reported in several U.S. states, including Illinois.
How long does it take for Chagas disease to kill you?
Signs and symptoms of the chronic phase of Chagas disease may occur 10 to 20 years after initial infection, or they may never occur. In severe cases, Chagas disease signs and symptoms may include: Irregular heartbeat. Heart failure.
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