Deadly Chagas disease, or ‘kissing bug’ disease, is increasing in the US, CDC says

(Gray News) - Cases of Chagas disease, a potentially fatal condition caused by an infected triatomine insect or “kissing bug,” are on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The insect often bites people on the face, which is how it got its nickname.

The CDC said autochthonous, or locally acquired, human cases of the disease have been reported in eight states, including Texas, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites found in “kissing bugs,” which can pass the disease to other animals and humans.

In the acute phase of the disease, which happens shortly after getting bitten, the infected person may experience a type of eyelid swelling know