Why The Kissing Bug Is A Growing Concern In Alabama

This is why I don't like bugs.

I do not find things to be "cute" when they are that small and can kill you.

Not a fan.

Now, we know that a disease related to a bug, according to People.com, has spread across the USA and into Alabama.

So the bug is known as the "kissing bug," but it is actually called the triatomine insect.

According to the CDC, eight states have reported human infection, and another group of states, including Alabama, have reported animals being infected with Chagas disease.

Check out this video for some more information.

@rubin_allergy What is Chagas disease? Chagas disease is becoming hypo endemic in the United States. #outbreak #tiktokdoc #learnontiktok ♬ Mysterious and sad BGM(1120058) - S and N

Credit: Rubin Allergy via TikTok

This bug bites humans on the face and many times near the mouth, and that is why it is called the "kissing bug".

When you look at the map of the states with infections, almost all of them are in the southern part of the U.S.

This disease can be fatal.

I want to make sure you caught that vital part of this story.

THIS DISEASE CAN BE FATAL

Doctors report that some patients are not aware of the bite or that they have the disease.

The problem is that often they don't go see medical professionals until it is too late.

Here's another video featuring more disturbing info about this "bug".

@zekedarwinscience How a kiss from this bug can lead to a heart attack or stroke 30 years later | Kissing Bugs and Chagas Disease #biology #learnontiktok #learning #bugs #chagas ♬ original sound - Zeke Darwin

Credit: Zeke Darwin Science via TikTok

Infections can produce symptoms like fever, fatigue, body aches, and headache, among others.

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