Dangerous Kissing Bug Reported In Florida, Says CDC
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) -- New warnings have been issued by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the potentially deadly Chagas Disease from the kissing bug in Florida.
The bugs have invaded the southern United States, including Florida.
The infected inch-long Triatomine bugs carrying the parasite can pass it through bites. The bites are typically around the mouth and face, which is how they get their nickname "kissing bugs."
Once in the body, the parasite can remain hidden for years, or even decades, eventually resulting in heart disease.
According to the CDC, it estimates about 8 million people are infected worldwide. Most of the infected are reportedly in Central and South America.
The CDC reports that infections have been reported in Arkansas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas.
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