What Is a Kissing Bug?
7. Chagas Disease
Kissing bug bites will also sometimes result in another potentially serious problem: Chagas disease. This is a disease that is very similar to malaria and is caused by a tiny parasite known as trypanosoma cruzi. The bugs will sometimes drink from an infected host, and this will cause themselves to become infected.
The bug’s next host can also then become infected by the parasite, potentially resulting in Chagas disease. If the patient does show symptoms, they will typically include fever, aches, headache, swollen glands, diarrhea, and a rash. The disease can be treated but treatment is more effective when caught in its early stages.
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