Experts Warn Of Summer Threat From 'Kissing Bugs' And Chagas Disease - Corridor News

SAN MARCOS – As the summer heats up, experts with the Texas Chagas Taskforce are warning about the threat "kissing bugs" can pose for humans and pets. 

“These bugs are found across the Southern United States, Mexico, Central, and South America, especially during the hot summer months,” said Paula Stigler Granados, assistant professor in the School of Health Administration at Texas State University and lead organizer of the Texas Chagas Taskforce. “This parasite can cause Chagas disease in the people and animals it infects. Although infections from this parasite are not common, approximately 25% of people that are infected develop serious chronic disease, so early diagnosis is important.”