A Parasitic Bug Has Been Spotted In Texas And Its Bite Can Be Deadly
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 10, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We just told y’all about the giant tarantula invasion plaguing Texas right now, but unfortunately, there’s an even more sinister creepy-crawler in town. The name “kissing bug” might sound innocent enough, but one bite from this deadly insect could kill you.
While its name might sound friendly, don't be fooled: the kiss of death is the only affection you'll receive from this sinister insect. Kissing bugs, which closely resemble stinkbugs, are spreading like wildfire throughout Texas - and just one bite could instantly kill you. That's because they carry a pathogenic parasite that transmits something called Chagas disease.
Originating in Latin America, Chagas disease affects an estimated 8 to 10 million people worldwide. The illness was once thought to only exist in rural, underdeveloped areas. However, it's slowly infiltrating urban and suburban regions as well.
Kissing bugs have been spotted in 27 Southern U.S. states, where they've likely been living and multiplying for over a century. The first confirmed Texas case was documented in 1955, plaguing a 10-month-old Corpus Christi girl. She suffered an elevated temperature, rash, and swelling for several days, but luckily ended up surviving.
While the disease is most heavily concentrated along the border with Mexico, cases have been documented in big cities such as Houston and San Antonio. Researchers speculate it spreads via major highways like I-35 when infected people travel and unknowingly pass the parasite to other humans.
Here in Texas, there are seven different species of the insect that all carry Chagas. While they look similar in structure, it still takes a trained eye to recognize each one. Educating yourself on the subtle variances is crucial, however, because up to 64% of kissing bugs carry the deadly parasite that causes the sickness.
Within a week of being bitten, the affected area may swell and turn red or purple. Some people experience fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a stomachache or loss of appetite, or fatigue. However, asymptomatic cases are common as well.
This makeshift mural might sound like fear-mongering, but its warning should be heeded. Roughly 30% of infected people will go on to develop life-threatening conditions such as arrhythmia, dilated heart or colon, and even full-blown cardiovascular failure. These dire complications can sometimes take years to arise.
Did you know about the kissing bug? If so, have you ever seen one? What other dangerous insects should Texans keep an eye out for this summer? Let us know!
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