Not So Romantic ‘Kissing Bug’ Disease Spreading Across States In US, But Is It Found In India?

The ‘Kissing Bug’ disease has been making headlines worldwide. Recently, health officials in the United States confirmed that this disease is now spreading across several states. It is raising concerns as it was once thought to be limited mainly to Latin America. As the news spreads, the question many are asking in India is Does this disease exist here as well? Read ahead to explore this not-so-romantic "kissing bug" problem and what it means globally and in India, based on the latest information.

What Is This Not-So-Romantic ‘Kissing Bug’ Disease?

Chagas disease (Kissing Bug), also known medically, is a parasitic illness which is caused by a parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi. The infection is primarily transmitted by insect bites from the so-called kissing bugs, which bite blood, which is mostly at night. These bugs do not fully digest, and they leave parasite-filled faeces close to the wound after biting. Infection can also take place when the faeces gets into the body via scratches or mucous membranes such as the mouth or the eyes.

The disease can be divided into two stages: acute, with such symptoms as fever, swelling, and tiredness (they can be weak or not felt at all) and chronic, which may manifest several years later. Without treatment, the chronic phase may lead to severe heart and digestive issues. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported Chagas disease cases in eight US states, declaring it “endemic” in these areas. This means the disease is now established and spreading within these local populations. 

ALSO READ: What Is Chagas Disease? Signs Of The ‘Kissing Bug’ Infection Now Emerging in the US

Is Kissing Bug Disease Found In India?

The good news is that Chagas disease is not common in India. Latin America is the place where most cases have been reported because the kissing bug is indigenous. These bugs have also been detected in the US in southern states, leading to concerns of spreading.

However, in India, experts confirm that although there may be similar bugs, the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is not naturally found here. This means the risk of Chagas disease spreading in India is very low. Reported cases in the country are usually linked to people who have travelled or migrated from affected regions.

Should You Be Worried?

In India, it is practically impossible to contract Chagas disease because of kissing bugs. However, it is a huge health problem in the world, particularly in Latin America, and also rapidly developing in the US. Physicians emphasise that it is important to be aware. Travellers who come back to the countries they have visited should report to a doctor in case they experience unexplained fever, swelling or sustained tiredness.

How to Protect Against Kissing Bug Infection

Protection is important in case your residence or travelling places are prone to the disease. These are basic prevention guidelines:

• Close cracks and crevices in houses to stop invasion by bugs.
• Indoor insecticides can be used at the behest of the need to eliminate bugs.
• Keep nets that are covered with insecticides to prevent being bitten at night.
• Ensure a clean environment and homes to minimise places for bugs.
• Good hygiene and avoiding blood transfusions of unknown origin in malaria-endemic areas.

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Conclusion

The disease referred to as the kissing bug could be given a romantic-sounding name, yet it is a severe health problem. It has been rampant in some parts of the US in the recent past and is not common in India. The most effective means of ensuring that one is not at risk of contracting Chagas disease as it spreads around the world is to keep abreast, prevent and treat early on should the need arise.