The kissing bug disease is here. What is it?

When you hear the phrase “kissing bug,” your first thought might be a childhood game, cheeky joke or a trend. Unfortunately, the kissing bug isn’t as lighthearted as it sounds.  

Chagas disease, frequently referred to as kissing bug disease, is on the rise. The disease is most commonly found in rural Mexico, and Central and South America; however, it has now spread to the U.S. with a concentration in southern states, most notably in Texas.

Dr. Brian Temple, an infectious disease specialist at Aurora Health Care, answers some basic questions about this quickly rising and endemic disease: 

How do you get the kissing bug disease? 

The disease is spread through triatomine bugs who carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. Typically, the bug bites you, defecates into the bite, and then you unknowingly wipe their parasite-containing feces into your eyes, nose, mouth or open wound. It can also spread through contaminated food or blood, and during pregnancy or an organ transplant.

What are symptoms of chagas disease? 

There are two stages to the kissing bug disease symptoms: 

• Acute phase: This phase happens within the first few weeks or months of infection. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or eyelid swelling, also known as “Romaña’s sign.” 
• Chronic phase: This phase occurs over many years or a person’s lifetime. Symptoms can include an enlarged heart, heart failure, altered heart rate or rhythm, or an enlarged esophagus or colon.  

It’s important to note that you might not experience any symptoms, while others might have a serious reaction.  

How do you treat Chagas disease? 

There are two types of treatment. Antiparasitic treatment to kill the parasite and symptomatic treatment to manage symptoms of the infection. These treatments can be taken at any stage of the disease.  

What preventive measures can you take? 

While this disease has typically been found in rural areas, it’s spreading. If you know you are going to be traveling or visiting an area that might have Chagas disease, there are some steps you can take: 

• Stay in well-built lodging 
• Spray the places with long-lasting insecticides 
• Use bed nets treated with long-lasting insecticide 
• Wear long sleeves and pants. Use bug spray on exposed skin 
• Avoid eating salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits and unpasteurized fruit juices 

There are currently no vaccines to prevent Chagas disease.

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