A Parasitic Bug Has Been Spotted Throughout Mississippi And Its Bite Can Be Deadly
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published July 12, 2019
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Looks like mosquitoes aren’t the only bugs we need to look out for in Mississippi. Over the past several months, kissing bugs have been making their way throughout the United States. Not nearly as sweet as they sound, the blood-sucking pests may carry a parasite, which can lead to a lifelong disease. Read on for everything you need to know about these pesky insects.
Originating in Latin America, triatomine bugs, a.k.a. kissing bugs, are quickly spreading throughout U.S.
So, how did the bugs get their nickname? It’s because they usually bite people around the mouth or another part of the face, which makes sense when you learn that they’re attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out.
Because the bugs like to bite their victims in the face, most people are bit while sleeping since the face is uncovered – and hence, an easy target. It also doesn’t help that kissing bugs are nocturnal.
Ready to be really grossed out? The kissing bug spreads the Chagas disease through a parasite in its feces! That’s right; the bug bites its victim and then defecates into the wound.
Remember, not all kissing bugs carry the parasite, so a bite doesn’t necessarily result in Chagas disease. For those that do contract the disease, symptoms can include heart rhythm problems, an enlarged esophagus, and other serious issues.
To complicate matters, kissing bugs are extremely hard to identify since they look so similar to a variety of other insects. According to WebMD, features you should look out for include "stripes around their edges, thin antennae and legs, and a cone-shaped head."
Aside from knowing what kissing bugs look like, it’s important to know where they like to hang out. They’re commonly found indoors in cracks and holes as well as in a variety of outdoor settings, such as porches, outdoor dog houses, and chicken coops.
There’s good news, though. According to the CDC, “The likelihood of getting the infection in the U.S. is low, even if the bug is infected.” The CDC simply recommends that people be aware of the bug and the potential risks it imposes. They also have special steps you should take if you find a kissing bug. Click here for more information.
So, did you know about kissing bugs? Have you spotted any? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only thing plaguing the nation. Read about another here.
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