The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report warning about a disease caused by blood-sucking insects known as “kissing bugs.”

“In the United States, triatomines are commonly known as kissing bugs. The blood-sucking insects occur naturally in the southern half of the country and have been identified in 32 states,” the CDC stated.

“Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, is considered endemic to 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the United States. However, increasing evidence of T. cruzi parasites in the United States in triatomine insects, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans challenges that nonendemic label,” the agency continued.

The report said Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, can be transmitted through “congenital, oral, and vectorborne routes.”

“Health officials warn that thousands of Americans could already be infected without realizing it,” Shadow of Ezra wrote.

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“The parasite spreads when the bug bites a person or animal—then leaves the infection behind in its droppings,” the post added.

CBS News has more:

“Autochthonous (or, locally acquired) human cases have been reported in 8 states, most notably in Texas. Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting,” the report noted, adding the insect has been reported in 32 states.

Other states with human cases include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The report notes that data is “inadequate” to prove that the insects are increasing in geographic distribution or abundance. But it also says that the bugs are “increasingly recognized” because of frequent encounters with humans and due to more research attention.

“Invasion into homes, human bites, subsequent allergic reactions or exposure to T. cruzi parasites, and increasing frequency of canine diagnoses have led to growing public awareness,” it says.

“Chagas disease is the silent killer no one is talking about. UCLA doctors warn the parasite spread by ‘kissing bugs’ can cause sudden death—or slowly destroy the heart over a lifetime,” Epoch Health wrote.

“The CDC reports that even common symptoms like fever or fatigue may hide a fatal infection. With 45,000 cases in Los Angeles alone, why isn’t this national health crisis on every front page?” it added.

The Hill provided further info:

So far, infections among companion animals, such as domestic and working canines and felines, have been found in 23 states, as well as in Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. The CDC said although dogs infected in northern states likely reflect travel from regions where vectors are present.

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Texas, the only state where Chagas disease in animals has been a reportable condition, 431 canine cases were reported from 2013–2015 in addition to cases in two cats, one horse, one rat, three chimpanzees and one walrus, per the health agency.

The Changas disease is often contracted through bug bites on an individual’s face. There have been 280,000 reported human cases of “kissing bug” disease in the U.S., according to the CDC.

“The kissing bug, also known as triatomine bug, bites and sucks blood from infected animals or people. This is how the bug gets the T. cruzi parasites,” the CDC wrote. “After biting, bugs pass the parasite in their droppings. If these droppings get into someone’s body through a cut in the skin, or near the eyes or mouth, it can lead to infection.”

“People might scratch or rub bug feces into a bite wound, their eyes, or mouth without realizing it, which allows the parasite to enter their body,” officials added.

Many times, people who have moved from rural areas to cities have contracted the disease and live with the illness without knowing it.

Read the full CDC report HERE.

Yup, that’s it folks…if you’re heart is slowly “destroyed over time” it’s definitely these “kissing bugs” and definitely not the poison vaccine and all the boosters you took.  Nope, definitely not that!

 

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