kissing bug

Kissing bugs are insects belonging to the subfamily Triatominae, also known as conenose bugs or assassin bugs. They are called "kissing bugs" because they often bite people on the face, especially around the mouth. These bugs feed on blood, mainly at night when people or animals are asleep. A major concern about kissing bugs is that they can carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. This parasite is found in the feces of the kissing bug, not its saliva or bite. When the bug bites a person, it sometimes defecates nearby; if the feces containing the parasite enter the body through the bite wound, mucous membranes, or breaks in the skin, the person can become infected. Scratching the area can also facilitate infection. Chagas disease can cause serious heart and digestive problems and can be fatal if untreated. Kissing bugs are mainly found in the Americas, including the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. In the U.S., they are mostly seen in southern states like Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Not every kissing bug carries the parasite, but in some areas, about half of the bugs might be infected. People living in or having traveled to areas where kissing bugs are common have a higher risk of Chagas disease. Transmission can also occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants, mother-to-child during pregnancy, or consuming food contaminated with the parasite. If bitten by a kissing bug, it is advised to wash the area immediately with soap and water and avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection.