Just In Time For Valentines – Kissing Bugs Invade El Paso

Don't let the name fool you, a Kissing Bug's bite can be fatal and their numbers are rising super fast in El Paso.

El Paso is absolutely loaded with romantic things like amazing sunsets, great restaurants and hotels for some "alone time" and cool, "couple's" daytrips.

We also have weird stuff like feeding cockroaches named after ex bae's to zoo animals and other insects with a cute name but a repulsive look and possibly fatal bite.

They're called "kissing bugs" but, trust me, you don't want to kiss one. You don't want one "kissing" you either as they carry the deadly parasite that causes Chagas disease.

What Is Chagas Disease?

It's a disease caused by a protozoan parasite that lodges into the tissues of the heart or the intestines and in the long term, it can cause severe cardiomyopathy and serious intestinal issues,” Priscilla Farani, assistant professor UTEP's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said. - KVIA

According to KVIA, Chagas can "lodge in the heart or intestines and lead to serious health problems years after infection, including severe heart disease and gastrointestinal complications". It can be fatal.

UTEP Researchers have noticed a very sharp increase in these little bastards throughout the Borderland, even though they're really native to Latin America.

Where Can You Find Kissing Bugs?

Once confined to Latin America, climate change and simple human movement from one part of the world to another helped Kissing Bugs find a happy home here in the USA.

READ MORE: Most Disgusting Insect In Texas

Faroni said the insects used in recent studies were found along trails in the Franklin Mountains and in residential areas, particularly near wood piles and shaded spaces where the bugs can hide. - KVIA

Of all the Kissing Bugs found in El Paso and southern NM 90% tested positive for the potentially fatal virus compared to 66% in 2021. Chagas symptoms are pretty vague and can be mistaken for the flu.

If caught early, Chagas isn't that big of a deal but if it gets to a chronic stage ... which can take years ... it could kill you.

Can Pets Be Affected?

Yep. Same as with humans, a bite can be fatal to animals. Check your animals, especially if they're outside a lot as Kissing Bugs can not only infect them, they can hitch a ride into your home on them and get to you.