“Kissing Bug” Found in Georgia, Carolinas

An insect known for carrying a parasite that causes a disease has been reported in Georgia.

Triatomine bugs, or “kissing bugs” carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which if left untreated, can cause sudden death according to the Center for Disease Control.

This kissing bug can live indoors, in cracks and holes of substandard housing, or in a variety of outdoor settings including: Beneath porches, Under cement, or In rock, wood, brush piles, or beneath bark. They are typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America (as far south as southern Argentina). But there have been reported cases in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and many other states.

Some precautions to prevent to prevent house infestation include: Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, walls, roofs, and doors.. Removing wood, brush, and rock piles near your house.. Using screens on doors and windows and repairing any holes or tears

For more information on the “kissing bug”, visit http://www.cdc.gov/parasites