A Parasitic Bug Has Been Spotted Throughout West Virginia And Its Bite Can Be Deadly

The bug can be infected with T.cruzi, a parasite that transmits Chagas disease. The disease can have some serious complications, and can even cause death.

As the bug bites, it typically poops on the person's face. The parasite that carries Chagas disease is found in the Kissing Bug's poop, and when you rub your face, the bug poop gets into the bite wound or your eye or mouth.

The early symptoms of infection include fever, body aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting, similar to a common flu. One telltale sign is an inflamed eyelid, which can be caused by rubbing the kissing bug's poop into your eye. If caught early enough, Chagas disease can be treated with an anti-parasitic drug. If not treated within the first few months of infection, the disease is chronic and the infected person will live with symptoms throughout their life. Chronic symptoms include enlarging of the heart, esophagus, or colon, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.

There are 11 species found here in America, and they're usually black or dark brown, with orange, yellow, or red stripes along the edge of their wings. They have long antennae and a cone-shaped head.

These parasitic bugs can often be found living in the cracks under porches and foundations, in wood piles, or under cement. They also like to live in chicken coops, and dog houses. Kissing bugs sleep during the heat of the day, and when the air cools off at night, they're drawn to the heat and odors of animals and humans.

The Centers for Disease Control suggests that you check your home and porch for cracks and gaps, and seal them up. Clear your property of brush piles or rock piles, and use screens on your windows and doors. Keep your outdoor lighting to a minimum, since the bugs may be drawn toward it.