Kissing bugs are insects known primarily for feeding on blood, often biting people on their faces, particularly near the mouth, which gives them their name. They belong to the subfamily Triatominae and are also called conenose bugs or cone-nose bugs. These bugs are found mainly in the Americas, including parts of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Adult kissing bugs are about half to one inch long, have a cone-shaped head, thin antennae, and long, thin legs, and they feed mainly at night when their hosts are inactive. The major health concern with kissing bugs is that they can carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. This parasite resides in the bug's feces rather than its saliva or bite. When a kissing bug bites and defecates near the bite site, scratching can introduce the parasite into the body, leading to infection. Chagas disease can be severe, potentially causing chronic heart and organ damage if untreated. The risk of infection depends on the prevalence of the parasite in local kissing bug populations, which varies geographically. In the United States, about 55% of kissing bugs may carry the parasite, with higher infection risks in southern states such as Texas and Arizona. In addition to humans, kissing bugs also feed on dogs, rodents, and other mammals, and the parasite can be transmitted through blood, organ donations, from mother to fetus, and via contaminated food. Kissing bugs do not attach like ticks, and their bites usually do not cause immediate pain. The best preventive measure if bitten is to wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water and avoid scratching the site to minimize infection risk. Kissing bugs are attracted to cracks in walls and areas with pets or rodents, often inhabiting homes made of mud or adobe in endemic areas. Overall, kissing bugs are significant vectors for Chagas disease, which is a growing concern in the US due to the bugs' expanding habitat range with climate change.
