You may not think much harm could come from a bug known as the “kissing bug” but the fact is, it could even be deadly. That is due to the fact that this bug spreads Chagas disease, both to humans and animals. More and more frequently, individuals living in South America and in the United States are contracting this parasitic infection. How many people are infected? In the United States, it is estimated that over 300,000 people are already infected and 400 dogs have died as a result of it.
The kissing bug (Triatomine Bugs), feeds on the blood of humans and animals, typically by biting them in the area around the mouth or eyes. When their feces contacts the blood in the area of the bite or a mucous membrane, it passes a parasite into the host.
If you contract Chagas, it could cause any number of different symptoms but it is also known as the “silent killer” because you may not have any symptoms until one shows up suddenly. Some of the symptoms associated with it include swollen abdomen, confusion, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, depression, congestive heart failure and diarrhea.