Kjos. There are 11 species of kissing bugs in the U.S., of which seven species in the genera Triatoma and Paratriatoma are found in Arizona (Figure 1) (Klotz et al.
How common are kissing bugs in Arizona?
In Arizona, kissing bugs are most plentiful in the southern part of the state, especially in Pima County, the Arizona Department of Health Services says. Up to 50% of the kissing bugs found in Arizona are positive for the parasite that causes Chagas disease, according to ADHS.
Is there Chagas disease in Arizona?
Chagas has been found locally in Arizona, but it is very rare. There is some evidence of spread between insects and animals in parts of the southern U.S. Chagas is spread primarily through kissing bug bites. Chagas is spread to people when the infected kissing bug poops while biting.
What states do kissing bugs live in?
Kissing bugs are blood-feeding insects that live in the southern and western United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America.
Where is the kissing bug 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 gets rid of kissing bugs?
Tips for How to Get Rid of Kissing Bugs
Turn off any unused exterior lights to avoid attracting insects. Move any wood or debris piles away from the house. Use an insecticide spray with pyrethroid to control an infestation.
Can Chagas disease be cured?
Treatment. 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.
What do kissing bugs look like in Arizona?
Kissing bugs are large, dark brown or black true bugs, belonging in the insect Order Hemiptera. Some species have patterns and markings on their abdomen, which vary by species. As adults they range in size from 0.5 to over 1 inch (13.0 to 33.0 mm) in length.
What parasites are in Arizona?
Hookworm, Roundworm, Tapeworm, and Whipworm | Phoenix, Arizona | Foothills Animal Hospital.
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease in humans?
Symptoms
- Swelling at the infection site.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Rash.
- Body aches.
- Eyelid swelling.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
What happens if a kissing bug bites you?
This is usually only mild itching, redness, and swelling. Occasionally, a kissing bug bite causes a severe localized allergic reaction. If you have a T. cruzi infection, a small hard area may form at the bite site 1 or 2 weeks after you’re bitten.
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.
Should I get tested for Chagas?
A specific test is necessary for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. The test detects the presence of the infection through analysis of a blood sample. Anyone who suspects that they may have Chagas disease should ask their doctor to order this test.
How are people in US at risk for Chagas?
The disease can also be transmitted several other ways, such as orally through consumption of food or drink contaminated with triatomine feces, from infected mothers to their infants during pregnancy, blood transfusions and organ transplantations, laboratory accidents and sharing of syringes.
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.
How do you test for Chagas?
During the acute phase of infection, parasites may be seen circulating in the blood. The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites.
What animal eats kissing bugs?
Sometimes. Kissing bugs are bloodsuckers and seek out mammals including dogs. Dogs eat bugs and will snatch up kissing bugs. The parasite inside the digestive tract of the insect can transfer to the dog.
How do kissing bugs get in your house?
How did I get kissing bugs? Bright porch and doorway lighting often lures kissing bugs inside homes. These insects feed on pets, so outdoor cats or dogs can also bring bugs inside.
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 |
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.
What are the symptoms of the kissing bug?
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?
- Mild, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
- Rash.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Swelling or a sore near the eye or on the side of the face where the bite or infection occurred (visible in fewer than half of infected people)
- Enlarged glands.