Experts with the Texas Chagas Taskforce are warning about a recent population boom of “kissing bugs” and the threat "kissing bugs" can pose for humans and pets as they spread Chagas disease.
“Kissing bug” is the common name for a group of blood-sucking insects called triatomines. Chagas disease is caused by a parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, that lives in the intestines and feces of kissing bugs.
"These bugs are found across the Southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, especially during the hot summer months," said Paula Stigler Granados, assistant professor in the School of Health Administration at Texas State University and lead organizer of the Texas Chagas Taskforce. "This parasite can cause Chagas disease in the people and animals it infects. Although infections from this parasite are not common, approximately 25% of people that are infected develop serious chronic disease, so early diagnosis is important."
