Kissing bugs in Ohio: What to know about insect that causes Chagas disease

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A parasitic disease called Chagas may be establishing itself in the United States, and the “kissing bugs” that cause the illness are known to live in Ohio, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC released a report earlier this month on Chagas disease, an illness caused by a parasite found in the feces of blood-sucking insects called triatominae, which are also known as kissing bugs due to their tendency to bite sleeping humans in the face. People can contract the disease when an infected bug's feces enter an open wound, or get into the eyes, nose or mouth.

Chagas disease is curable with early treatment, though untreated cases can lead to serious heart or digestive complications later in life. In rare instances, early stages of the disease can be fatal, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

The disease is most prevalent in Mexico, Central America and South America. It is considered endemic, or regularly occurring, in 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the U.S. However, the CDC said the “increasing evidence” of the parasites that cause the disease in the U.S. “challenges that nonendemic label.” 

Chagas disease has been reported in humans in eight states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. However, the report states there are likely more cases, since doctors are not required to report infections in most states. Additionally, kissing bugs have been identified in 32 states, including Ohio, according to the CDC.

What is the risk of Chagas disease in Ohio?

There are no known recent cases of Chagas disease in Ohio. While kissing bugs have long resided in Ohio, the insect appears to be “relatively rare” in the state, according to a recent article posted by Joe Boggs, an assistant professor with Ohio State University Extension. Boggs called the chances of contracting Chagas disease in Ohio “minuscule.” 

“Remember that the [kissing bug] has a wide geographical range, from Ohio all the way through Central America and into South America,” Boggs wrote. “It is found in locations where Chagas disease occurs, and thus the [parasite] is common, all the way to locations where the disease does not occur, like in Ohio. Thus, the true health threat to Ohioans must be viewed in the proper geographical context.”

The CDC estimates about 280,000 people in the U.S. have Chagas at any given time, although comprehensive data is limited. It is unclear how many deaths are caused by Chagas each year. 

Symptoms

Many people do not have symptoms during the initial phase of the disease, which can last for a few weeks or months. Those who do get symptoms may experience flu-like conditions, including a fever, body aches, fatigue and a headache. A rash may also appear around the insect bite and an eyelid may become swollen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Without treatment, most people enter a long-term infection, when they may develop severe complications that can last years or a lifetime. Symptoms of heart complications stemming from Chagas disease include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting and fatigue. The illness can also lead to digestive issues, such as difficulty swallowing, constipation, chest pain and bloating. 

How the disease spreads

Kissing bugs are the most common way humans contract Chagas disease. Chagas may also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants and from pregnant women to their babies. 

The disease cannot spread through casual contact with other humans, as is the case with a cold or the flu. Humans also cannot contract it through casual contact with an infected animal, according to the CDC. 

Prevention

To prevent Chagas disease, the CDC recommends people take steps to avoid kissing bug infestations in their homes, including:

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, walls, roofs and doors.
• Seal any entrances to attics or crawl spaces.
• Remove wood, brush and rock piles near the home.
• Use screens on doors and windows, and repair any holes or tears.
• Reduce outdoor lighting at night.
• Clean the home regularly.
• Have pets sleep indoors, especially at night. 

If someone finds kissing bugs in their home, the CDC suggests consulting a pest control expert. 

If traveling somewhere where the disease is common, the CDC advises people protect themselves from the insects by staying in well-built places, like air-conditioned or screened hotel rooms, spraying their residence with long-lasting insecticides and sleeping under bed nets.

Experts also suggest travelers avoid consuming salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits and unpasteurized fruit juices in areas the disease may be present. Wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as bug spray, is also encouraged.