Triatomines, also called kissing bugs, carry parasites in their intestinal tract that may transmit an infection that leads to Chagas disease. These parasites, called Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), may enter the human body through a bite wound, a scratch, the eyes, or the mouth, and make you sick.
Chagas disease may cause only minor symptoms or no symptoms at first. However, if not treated, it may lead to serious cardiovascular (heart) and gastrointestinal (gut) problems over time in 20% to 30% of infected people.
Kissing bugs don’t “kiss.” They bite. But, it’s not the bite that transmits the infection.
Kissing bugs got their name because they tend to bite people on the face. However, they do not pass the infection to others through their bites. They transmit it through their feces (poop).
Kissing bugs carry the T. cruzi parasites in their intestines. When they bite, they defecate (poop) at the same time, leaving the parasites behind.
Although the parasites cannot pass through the surface of healthy skin, they may be able to enter the body when people:
- Scratch the bite and cause a small break in the skin
- Touch the feces and rub their eyes, their mouth, or an open sore
Take a closer look at Chagas Disease
Take a closer look at kissing bugs and Chagas disease
