CDC Warns about "Chagas Disease"

Chagas disease, which can cause long-term cardiac damage, is mainly found in rural Central and South America, but some experts are concerned that cases are beginning here in the United States. Recent news reports have covered stories about infections in Arkansas, Arizona, Tennessee, Texas and yes - even here in Massachusetts. 

The disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and is spread through bites from the triatomine insect, also called the "kissing bug," given it's name because it usually bites around the eyes and mouth, when feeding at night.

What do Kissing Bugs look like?

Pictured below are kissing bugs from all life cycle stages - eggs to nymphs to fully grown adults.

SOURCE: CDC http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/gen_info/vectors/triatomine_stages_lg.html

Kissing Bug FAQs

The CDC has a great resource page with a list of answers to freqently asked questions including:

What is a triatomine bug and what does it look like?
Where are triatomine bugs typically found?
I think I found a triatomine bug. What should I do?
How can I tell if the bug I’ve found is a triatomine and not another kind of bug?
Can I get Chagas disease from a triatomine bug?
What do I do if I think I may have acquired Chagas disease?

Click here to access this page

Need additional help?

As always, you can call the experts here at Burgess Pest Management if you have any questions about this pest. 

1-800-698-BUGS