A Kissing Bug in Alabama? What it means + how to stay safe

Something to watch: The Kissing Bug has seen a recent uprise in the U.S., and human infections have been found in our neighboring states Mississippi and Tennessee, while it’s creeped into zoo-housed mammals in Alabama.

Here’s what we know about the Kissing Bug—including what they look like, where it’s found, and how you can help prevent it.

What is a Kissing Bug?

“Kissing bugs” are flat-bodied, inch-long insects, named after their tendency to bite human faces. The bugs feed on blood and transfer Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) disease in their feces.

“Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted through congenital, oral, and vectorborne routes; vectorborne infections result from contact with the feces of infected triatomine insects (kissing bugs). 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

While pets and wildlife take up a large amount of the infected population, the parasite can also be contracted through contaminated food, blood products or organ donations.

As temperatures warm, the kissing bugs’ favorable environments are expanding. About half the bugs carry the Chagas parasite, according to Science Alert.

Where T. Cruzi disease has been found in the U.S.

Human T. cruzi infections have been identified in 8 states:

• Mississippi
• Tennessee
• Louisiana
• Arkansas
• Texas
• Missouri
• Arizona
• California

But, T. cruzi infection among zoo-housed exotic mammals has been recognized in:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Texas
• Kansas

Symptoms

While many people experience no symptoms after infection, some can develop:

• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Eyelid swelling
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Why it’s important

If the disease is not treated within two months, the parasite can spread to the heart and digestive muscles, causing cardiac, digestive and nervous system damage.

Preventing T. Cruzi disease

The CDC reported that oral transmission is likely less relevant for human cases in the U.S. but is speculated to be the primary mode of transmission to dogs.

While shared risk factors include those who frequently hunt, go camping or work outdoors, there are still preventive measures you can take.

To lessen the likelihood of encountering kissing bugs, wear insect repellent, seal cracks in your windows and doors and keep woodpiles away from your home.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Kissing Bug and T. Cruzi disease in Alabama. Sign up for our free newsletter for updates directly to your inbox.