Deadly kissing bugs found in Texas

click2Houston ^ | 3/21/12 | click2Houston

[eastforker]

Chagas, a disease that can lead to life-threatening heart and digestive disorders, is in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, seven cases have been diagnosed in Arizona and California.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin said the bugs that cause the disease, the Triatomid or "kissing bug," were already discovered in 11 southern and central Texas counties.

[television is just wrong]

these people have brought us pestilence. when will this horrible plight stop?

[wolfcreek]

Since the symptoms don't show up for years and mimic old-age problems, doesn't seem like there much we can do about it other than kill every one we see.

I'm not going to sleep in a net or put insect repellent on every night.

[TexasRepublic]

“Lazy bum.”

There is nothing lazy about using domestic help. For instance, the elderly or disabled often need outside side. If the housekeeper suddenly shows up with a disease, that does not make the home owner a “lazy bum”. You sound like a jerk.

[TexasRepublic]

correction: outside help

I need more coffee.

[MinuteGal]

Maybe we can fix up the Texas kissing bugs with the perpetually locked-together love bugs we have here in Florida.

Well, at least these critters haven't started lobbying the government for birth control supplies......yet.

Leni

[beaversmom]

Yes, but it’s the poop with the parasite that gets you:

http://www.themonitor.com/articles/mcallen-55912-potentially-bugs.html

From the article:

The kissing bug is a blood feeder that typically lives near livestock. When it eats, it immediately defecates, and the parasite is found within its feces.

[rarestia]

Thank you, beav! That makes sense.

[beaversmom]

You are welcome rare :)