Once thought to be limited to Latin America, Chagas disease is now established in California and nearly 30 other states.
* Chagas disease, also known as "kissing bug" disease, is a parasitic condition that can be life-threatening if untreated.
* "Kissing bugs" have been found in Ohio, but the chances of contracting the disease are slim.
* Symptoms can range from fever and swollen eyelids in the acute phase to serious heart and digestive issues in the chronic phase.
Chagas disease, also known as "kissing bug" disease, is a parasitic condition transmitted by the blood-sucking "kissing bug." The insects have been found in more than 30 states, including Ohio, according to USA TODAY, though not every state has reported cases of Chagas disease.
"Kissing bug" disease can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What is "kissing bug" disease? Should Ohioans be worried about Chagas? Here's what to know.
What is 'kissing bug' disease? Is it dangerous to humans?
The CDC has issued a warning about the number of cases. Chagas disease now has a high enough prevalence in the U.S. to be considered endemic, or a regularly occurring disease. Since 2013, Texas A&M University's Kissing Bug Community Science program has received reports of about 10,000 "kissing bugs" nationwide.
Chagas disease, or "kissing bug" disease, is a potentially fatal illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by the blood-sucking triatomine bugs, aka "kissing bugs."
If a triatomine bites and sucks the blood of an infected host, the bug then becomes a carrier for the parasite. The triatomine then passes the parasite through its droppings. If these droppings come into contact with a cut in the skin or a person's eyes or mouth, it can lead to infection, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include swollen eyelids, fever, loss of appetite and diarrhea. In more serious cases, those with the disease may experience digestive issues, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, an enlarged heart or even sudden death, according to the CDC.
Is the 'kissing bug' Chagas disease found in Ohio?
Kissing bugs have been spotted in Ohio, but there are no recent confirmed cases of Chagas disease. The chances of contracting kissing bug disease in the Buckeye State are slim.
According to The Ohio State University's Buckeye Yard and Garden, Chagas disease is not endemic in Ohio, and there's little chance of getting bitten inside your home. The blog adds that it is not considered a human health threat in Ohio.
There is no federal data on the number of Chagas disease cases in the United States. The disease is not a nationally notifiable disease, where healthcare providers must report cases to local and state health departments.
Symptoms of 'kissing bug' Chagas disease
Chagas disease has two stages: the acute phase, which happens shortly after the infection, and the chronic phase, which occurs over a period of time.
The acute phase usually occurs within the first few weeks or months of infection. The CDC outlines the following common symptoms:
* Fever
* Feeling tired
* Body aches
* Headache
* Rash
* Loss of appetite
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
Another common symptom of Chagas disease during the acute phase is Romaña's sign, when an eyelid swells, according to the CDC. This occurs when the parasite gets into the eyelid, usually when someone rubs the triatomine's fecal matter into their eye by accident.
The chronic phase of the disease may last many years or even a lifetime, the CDC states. These more serious symptoms include:
* Heart issues, such as an enlarged heart, heart failure, altered heart rate or rhythm or sudden death.
* Digestive problems, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, can lead to trouble eating or going to the bathroom.
According to the CDC, about 20-30% of those infected with Chagas disease experience serious symptoms.
Who should get tested for Chagas disease?
Individuals who have traveled to rural Mexico, Central America or South America should consider testing for Chagas disease, as Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly found in these regions, according to the CDC. Additionally, if a family member has been diagnosed with Chagas disease, you should get tested, too.
Lab tests can determine Chagas disease using a small sample of blood.
Chagas disease is treated by antiparasitic treatment, which kills the parasite that causes the disease, and symptomatic treatment, which helps manage symptoms, according to the CDC.