CDC says “Kissing Bugs” have made their way to Georgia

For more information about the triatomine bug and precautions, read the full report from the CDC.

Kissing bugs, or triatomines, occur naturally in Latin America and in the southern half of the United States, including here in Georgia. The parasite that causes the disease is in the bug’s feces, which it leaves on or near a person when it’s feeding on the person’s blood – typically when they’re asleep.

If the bug is infected with parasites and defecates in the wound, it can lead to Chagas disease, which can be fatal if not treated.

Here’s a smooch you’ll probably want to avoid this winter: A breed of insect known as the “kissing bug” is invading the US and spreading a potentially deadly disease. The bugs sometimes carries a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi.

The bug has been in headlines lately for popping up around the south, especially in Texas. Those cases have been in Texas, with four, and one case in each California, Tennessee and Louisiana.

“There are a few reasons for this: The main route of infection is different than mosquito- or tick-borne illnesses”. They’re coming in from Central and South America, the CDC says.

They are commonly known as “kissing bugs” because they usually bite on your lips or your face and cause a severe allergic reaction.

The CDC said residents should double check around their homes for cracks and holes, because they tend to hide under beds and mattresses.

If you think you’ve found a triatomine bug, the CDC urges not to touch or squash the bug, but place a container on top of it, slide the bug inside and fill it with rubbing alcohol. The CDC says to take it to a local extension office, health department or university lab for identification.