Three Common Species of Kissing Bugs in the Southern US (IMAGE)

Burness

Three Common Species of Kissing Bugs in the Southern US

Caption

The T. cruzi parasite is transmitted through the feces of kissing bugs, so called due to their tendency to feed around the mouth. Infections in humans or dogs initially can produce a fever and fatigue. But even infections that produce no symptoms can lead to an enlarged heart or abnormal heart rhythms that can cause sudden death.

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(Credit - Dr. Gabriel Hamer, Dept. Entomology, TAMU)

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