The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has warn the public about the spread Kissing Bug throughout the United States. Kissing Bug are Triatomine Bugs, they are blood-sucking bugs that usually bites the face of their victims. These bugs carries a possibly fatal disease called Chagas.
The kissing bug recently made its way to Georgia, Alabama and California, although health officials said the insect has been around the U.S. since the 1850s.
The bug looks like a cockroach and it earned the name kissing bug since it feeds on the blood of mammals, usually by biting them on or around the lip. Chagas disease, which can be fatal if left untreated, according to the CDC. There are currently about 300,000 cases of Chagas in the U.S.
The bugs are typically found outdoors but they can tend to hide under beds and mattresses.
The CDC provided a map of states that have reported of the bug:
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to avoid them: The CDC recommends synthetic pyrethroid sprays, this have been proven effective against the bug in Latin America. You can also seal all your windows, roofs and doors. It is also great to have screens over windows and doors, minimize yard lights as the bugs are attracted to light, seal all holes and cracks throughout the house, having pets sleep inside and regularly checking for the bugs is extremely helpful.
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