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Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

    ‘Kissing Bug’ Bites Child in Delaware

    Kissing+Bug+Bites+Child+in+Delaware

    For the first time in Delaware’s history, the “kissing bug” had made its first appearance. One child was reported to have the first case ever in Delaware. These blood-sucking bugs are spreading dangerous parasites, U.S. health officials warn.

    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) said in a statement saying that the child was bitten on the face by this bug back in July of 2018. The little girl was watching television in her bedroom when all of a sudden she felt something pinch her face. The family lived in an older room near a heavily wooded area. They also hadn’t traveled outside of their local area.

    The bug was identified as Triatoma sanguisuga, which is more commonly known as the “kissing bug.” These little bugs carry an extremely deadly illness called Chagas. This disease is spread by the bugs biting humans, typically on the face, and they then defecate near the wound.

    This disease can lead to life-threatening heart issues, including heart disease, strokes, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. The little girl, thankfully, did not get sick. Although she was not reported to be sick, it is the first case reported in Delaware.

    “This is very serious. I feel as if it is going to spread very quickly. It could pop-up in the most unexpected areas. I did not even know about this bug until this report came about. I really hope that this bug does not end up here. I worry that it will start killing people before they can figure out a treatment,” said Lakewood High School junior Dylan Johnson.

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