Where is the triatomine bug found?
Where is the triatomine bug found?
They are typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America (as far south as southern Argentina). The map below details triatomine occurrence by U.S. state. Eleven different species of triatomine bugs have been found in the southern United States: Paratriatoma hirsuta.
Is Chagas disease found in the United States?
Most people with Chagas disease in the United States were infected in the parts of Latin America where Chagas disease is found. Although there are triatomine bugs in the United States, only a few cases of Chagas disease from contact with the bugs have been documented in this country.
Is the kissing bug in Texas?
In the U.S., kissing bugs live in many southern states. There are 11 different kinds of kissing bugs in the U.S. Most of the reports of the different kissing bugs have come from Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Kissing bugs have been found and documented in the U.S. as early as the mid-1800s.
Where are kissing bugs found?
Kissing bugs are found in warm southern states of the U.S. and in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Kissing bugs can hide in cracks and holes in beds, floors, walls, and furniture. They are most likely to be found: Near places where a pet, such as a dog or cat, spends time.
What happens if you get bit by a kissing bug?
Some people are allergic to kissing bug saliva. The skin near the bite might become red, swollen, and itchy. The most serious risk is anaphylactic shock. That’s when your blood pressure drops and you have trouble breathing.
How can triatomine bugs be prevented?
Preventing exposure to Triatomine bugs is important to prevent exposure to Chagas disease. Prevention methods include keeping brush and rock piles away from houses and ensuring that houses do not have cracks or gaps around doors and windows.
What methods may be used to diagnose Chagas disease?
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 should you do if you get bit by a kissing bug?
You can:
- Wash the bites with soap to lower the chance of infection.
- Use calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream to stop the itching. You can also hold an oatmeal-soaked washcloth on the itchy area for 15 minutes.
- Use an ice pack to stop the swelling.
- See your doctor if you think the bite may be infected.
What time of year are kissing bugs active?
Infection rare Kissing bugs are most active in the summer through early fall. Most people who are infected only experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches, vomiting and loss of appetite.