Wellness

[MorningLover]

Have you seen this... 

Insects known as triatomines, also known as "kissing

bugs," are starting to become more common in the U.S.

These blood-suckers spread a dangerous illness called 

Chagas disease. The disease, which has spread to the

U.S., was previously only found in Central and South

America and Mexico.

During the night, certain species of triatomine bugs crawl

on people, dogs, or other mammals to feed. 

Kissing bugs spread the infection by biting a human,

typically on their face (hence the nickname), and then

defecating near the wound. The parasite can then get

rubbed into the open wound or get into the body if

someone touches their mouth or eyes afterward.

Doctors can diagnose the condition with blood tests and

treat it with antiparasitic medications. But if patients aren't

treated, they can develop the chronic form of the illness,

and about 30% of those develop an enlarged heart. That

can lead to further complications, including stroke,

irregular heart rate, or heart failure.

https://www.businessinsider.com/chagas-disease-spreading-and-causing-heart-problems-2018-8

[Carmie]

I never had any idea.  I looked it up just now and I see these bugs are as far north as my state, PA.

That is really scary. Thanks for the informative info.

[on the bay]

I did hear about that on the news a few weeks ago.

So creepy! Jeez, it seems there always some new, scary and sometimes bizarre news out there!

[ValuSkr]

Just another reason to buy a DynaTrap!  Thank you!

[jlkz]

Having donated almost 50 pints of blood so far, I am familiar with the pre-donation list of questions.

One question asks if you have had Chagas disease:  based on the OP about diseases spread by the “Kissing Bug”, concerned that the blood supply could be serious effected.

[MorningLover]

As Chagas disease has spread and infected people have migrated to different parts of the world, other forms of transmission have become more common. Chagas can also be passed through blood transfusions or organ donations and from pregnant women to their children.

https://www.businessinsider.com/chagas-disease-spreading-and-causing-heart-problems-2018-8

[AngelPuppy1]

I just read about this!  I was so grossed out and shocked!  Never, ever heard of this!  Just when you think you've heard it all, turns out there is something else horrible and nasty that can attack a person and cause serious damage!!!  Eeeck!  I am still getting over a spider bite which I got over a month ago which was just the worst thing ever!  

[Q4u]

When I was fighting Sarcoidosis, one of the doctors had a sign on his desk that read:  "With all the illnesses and diseases in the World.... the miracle is when we're well."

I've never forgotten it.    

[SilleeMee]

As the earth's climate becomes warmer and warmer, diseases will be in places never before seen. This one is a perfect example. 

Another insect that has come to my attention is the travelling spider, originally from Brazil but have travelled around the world. These spiders are considered the world's most deadliest and antivenom is not readily available. They are also called banana spiders and hide inside banana plants. When the bananas are harvested they can hitch a ride and go just about anywhere, including our local grocery stores. So if you see a spider hanging out around the bananas...stay clear and report it immediately.

[blinksmom]

I have only encountered them while driving in Beaumont,Tx and surrounding areas. By the time we arrived home in North tx the car was covered with dead bugs and smelled horrible. The car had to be washed right away or your paint will be ruined. Thankfully I haven't seen any here at home.