Kissing Bug Disease: Signs and symptoms, who’s at risk, treatment, and more

Silent but serious: Chagas disease, transmitted by the kissing bug, can cause life-threatening heart and digestive problems if left untreated. Early detection and prevention are key to staying safe. (Image: Canva)

A parasitic infection, also known as Chagas disease, that is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, It is largely transmitted through the bite of an insect known as the kissing bug or “triatomine bug.” The name of this insect is bizarre because it frequently bites people around the mouth or eyes while they are sleeping. Not as well recognized as some other vector-borne diseases, Chagas disease can cause serious or deadly complications if not identified early.

It is most common in Latin America, but as people travel and immigration has made cases emerge elsewhere, including the United States and Asia. Chagas disease manifests itself slowly, with mild or no symptoms at first, but with complications that can eventually include damage to the heart, the digestive system and the nervous system if left untreated.

Dr Arun Malhotra, Senior Consultant – Infectious Diseases, KrishnaCare Hospital, Bengaluru tells us that based on his experiences, creating awareness, right diagnosis at the right time and taking preventive actions can go a long way in minimising the risk.

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What Is Kissing Bug Disease?

Chagas disease, also known as kissing bug disease, is an illness transmitted by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Transmission of the parasite to humans occurs mainly through the bite of the triatomine insect (kissing bug). After they bite, the insect will frequently defecate near the bite and if a person happens to rub the feces in his eyes, mouth or skin, the parasite will have easy access to the blood stream.

The infection comes in two stages — acute and chronic. In the early stages the symptoms may be slight or even invisible and therefore it is hard to perceive.. But if left untreated, the illness can advance to the chronic disease stage, which can ravage the heart, digestive system and nervous system years later.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Symptoms at first blush could resemble a host of manageable ailments, which is why it’s often too late for diagnosis. Symptoms can include:

• Fever and fatigue
• Chagoma —swelling at the site of the insect bite through which Trypanosoma cruzi has entered the body.
• Swollen eyelids (Romaña’s sign)
• Headache and body aches
• Rash
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Symptoms may be more severe relative to initial disease during chronic phases:
• Irregular heartbeat or heart failure
• Very large colon or esophagus that cause swallowing and digestive problems
• In severe cases - sudden cardiac arrest

Anyone can become infected, but some people are at a greater risk:

• Residents of rural or rudimentary housing conditions in which kissing bugs are common (mud walls, thatched roofs).
• Persons who receive blood or organs from infected donors.
• Pregnant women, who may transmit the infection to their foetus.
• Long term-stay travellers Populations spending long periods of time in high-risk areas without preventive measures.

There is no vaccine for chagas at the moment, but you can take some preventive measures to lower your risk of transmission by chagas:

Better living conditions: Seal cracks, use insect screens, and replace thatched roofs where bugs can hide.

Use of insect control measures: Insecticides, mosquito nets, clean environment.

Pay attention to food safety: In some places, the parasite can spread through contaminated food or drinks.

Blood testing: Testing blood donations for Trypanosoma cruzi.

Diagnosis and treatment: Antiparasitic drugs benznidazole and nifurtimox are efficacious in the early course.

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FAQ

Q: What causes Chagas disease?
A: Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily transmitted through the bite of the kissing bug.

Q: What are the initial symptoms of Chagas disease?
A: Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, swelling at the bite site, swollen eyelids, headache, body aches, rash, nausea, or diarrhoea.

Q: Who is most at risk for Chagas disease?
A: People living in rural or rudimentary housing conditions, recipients of infected blood or organs, pregnant women, and long-term travellers in high-risk areas are most at risk.

Q: How can I prevent Chagas disease?
A: Improve living conditions, use insect control measures, ensure food safety, conduct blood testing, and seek early diagnosis and treatment with antiparasitic drugs.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.