Chagas Disease
Chagas Disease is an inflammatory and infectious disease brought by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. These parasites live in the feces of infected animals and are commonly spread by triatomine bugs or kissing bugs. They are widely found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The kissing bugs hide in dark and narrow places and attack humans and other animals at night. However, the transfer of Chagas disease is not only limited to triatomine bugs. Bed bugs can also carry parasites.
Chagas disease can cause swelling, infection, fatigue, rash, headache, nausea, swollen glands, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also lead to heart failure, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, enlargement of the esophagus, and even cardiac arrest.
Studies and several lab tests have proven the capabilities of bed bugs to host and transfer Trypanosoma cruzi. Aside from this, bed bugs also host more than 40 dangerous and potentially deadly pathogens. In addition, Chagas disease may be a symptom of bed bug bites, especially for those living in places that do not typically host kissing bugs.
