There have been 30 cases of Chagas disease in the U.S. None have been in Alabama. The CDC says the triatomines have been in this country since the 1850’s. Some people will have an allergic reaction if bitten by one. Many people from other countries now living here may have Chagas disease and not know.
Are there kissing bugs in Alabama?
Only one kissing bug species exists in Alabama, and it is a species that does not normally defecate while feeding. 2. Very low population of kissing bugs that occur near small mammal dens and nests in wooded areas. Past research only identified the parasite in raccoons and opossums in Alabama.
What states have Chagas disease?
| State | Year reporting began | Primary objectives for Chagas disease surveillance |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 2010 | Identify source of infection; monitor acute and chronic disease burden |
| Texas | 2013 | Identify source of infection; monitor acute and chronic disease burden |
| Massachusetts | 2008 | Monitor chronic disease phase burden |
Are there assassin bugs in Alabama?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the pest known as the “kissing bug” has now been reported in both Georgia and Alabama. ‘Kissing bugs” are also known as conenose bugs, assassin bugs or triatomines.
Where is Chagas disease most common?
People who have Chagas disease can be found anywhere in the world. However, transmission of the disease by kissing bugs (vectorborne transmission), only occurs in the Americas. Most people with Chagas disease became infected in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
What percentage of kissing bugs carry Chagas?
Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are the states with the most different species and most findings of kissing bugs. Scientists have found that about 50% of kissing bugs are infected with the Chagas parasite. Kissing bugs are a ‘vector’ because they can carry a parasite that can make people and animal sick.
Do all kissing bugs carry Chagas?
Some triatomines carry in their feces a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. That ailment can have serious long-term health consequences if untreated. Experts stress, however, that the risk of Chagas infection remains low. Not every kissing bug carries the parasite.
Should I be worried about Chagas disease?
About 70-80% of people will remain asymptomatic for life and never develop Chagas-related symptoms. However, an estimated 20–30% of infected people will develop health problems years to decades later that are often fatal.
How do you know if a kissing bug bite you?
Bite Marks
Kissing bugs are so named because they like to bite around the mouth or eyes. You’ll often see 2-15 bite marks in one area and maybe redness and swelling. It might be hard to tell them apart from other bug bites, minor skin irritations, or infections.
Who is most at risk for Chagas disease?
The following factors may increase your risk of getting Chagas disease: Living in poor rural areas of Central America, South America and Mexico. Living in a residence that contains triatomine bugs. Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from a person who carries the infection.
What are these bugs in Alabama?
There are many different types of bugs, insects and arachnids located throughout Alabama and I’ve listed 10 below.
- Fire Ant. wikipedia.
- Black Widow Spider. wikimedia commons.
- Hornet. wikipedia.
- Scorpion. wikipedia.
- Bed Bug. wikipedia.
- Boll Weevil. wikipedia.
- Earwig. wikimedia commons.
- Brown Recluse Spider. wikipedia.
What happens if an assassin bug bites you?
As with any insect sting or bite, the victim should seek medical attention immediately if there is any sign of anaphylactic reaction, such as generalized swelling, itching, hives or difficulty breathing. Immature assassin bugs are sometimes brightly colored, perhaps to warn that they bite.
What happens if a wheel bug bites you?
If you are bitten by this type of assassin bug, you will have swelling, blistering, and redness, but not as much pain. Some people suffer more severe reactions to the bug’s saliva, which can include severe itching, nausea, and a feeling of being out of breath.
What US states have kissing bugs?
Kissing bugs are commonly found in South and Central America, and Mexico, but doctors are starting to count cases in states like Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Utah and California, according to a Texas A&M University program studying Chagas disease.
Can you be cured of Chagas disease?
To kill the parasite, Chagas disease can be treated with benznidazole or nifurtimox. Both medicines are nearly 100% effective in curing the disease if given soon after infection at the onset of the acute phase, including the cases of congenital transmission.
How do you get tested for Chagas?
Blood smear is the most common method of identifying acute Chagas disease and is commercially available. PCR testing is the most sensitive option to detect early acute-phase Chagas disease and can be ordered through the CDC.
What to do if a kissing bug bites you?
Since kissing bug bites don’t cause any pain, most people won’t need treatment. If you experience a mild skin reaction, an anti-itch cream, such as calamine lotion, can help. A severe localized allergic reaction should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, who may treat it with antihistamines and corticosteroids.
When should I get tested for Chagas disease?
The optimal time to diagnose Chagas disease is during the acute phase of the illness, when the chance of eradicating the Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection with antitrypanosomal drugs is the highest.
What happens if you squish a kissing bug?
Do not touch a kissing bug with your bare hands! The T. cruzi parasite may be in the feces of kissing bugs, and their bodies may have the parasite on them. Use a glove or small plastic bag to collect the bug so you do not touch the bug directly.
Where do kissing bugs hide in a home?
The kissing bug can be brought into the home by clinging onto the coats of pets or they will crawl through small cracks or gaps in windows and underneath doors. They will typically inhabit trees, hiding underneath the tree’s bark or in the hollow of trees.
How do you protect yourself from Chagas?
What can travelers do to prevent Chagas disease?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.