Chagas disease update: here's why people are scared of the 'kissing bugs'

Kissing bugs have been one of the most talked topics in social media. People have become so scared of them due to the rumors that people die when they are bitten by this kind of insect. While it is true that there is a possibility of death for a person who has contacted with a kissing bug, but it is not as deadly as some people thought it is.

Fox59 reported that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that these deadly kissing bugs have already made its way to more or less half of the entire United States.

Calling it as a "deadly insect," it is not a surprise that many people have developed interest about it and many have feared it so much.

According to CNN, there is a Texas A&M team assigned to investigate about kissing bugs. Sarah Hamer, an assistant professor in the veterinary and biomedical school of Texas A&M, said that it is nice for the people to be aware of it, but there is actually no need for them to feel terribly frightened.

How Is It Dangerous?

This cockroach-look-alike insect is named kissing bug because it usually bites around the face and lips of a sleeping person. It feeds on mammal's blood. Are there bites dangerous? No, if it is only a bite. However, it becomes dangerous when it causes Chagas disease.

For a bite to lead to Chagas disease, the bug should be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, a certain kind of parasite. Then, it should defecate and the fecal matter should get in contact and infect the bite.

Considering the number of demanding factors that should be there to be infected with Chagas disease, it is common sense to know that it is very rare to contract this disease. Another fact is can ease people's mind is that people are rarely bitten by kissing bugs. In fact, mosquitos feed on people more often than these kissing bugs.

The Infection Is Rare

If getting bitten by kissing bus rarely happens, getting infected with Chagas disease is much rarer. A certain study reported that only one out of 900 to 4,000 kissing bugs cases leads to Chagas.

Most people who have Chagas disease only experience minor to moderate symptoms, including body aches, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and vomiting.

It is during the summer season to early fall when these kissing bugs are most active. Thus, it is wise for you to protect yourself better from kissing bugs during this period of time.