'Kissing Bug' Reported in Georgia

A bug which carries a potentially-deadly parasite has appeared in Georgia for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control says.

Some triatomine bugs, also known as ”kissing bugs,” carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi in their stool, according to the CDC. If a kissing bug bites you (most likely on the lips or face, hence the informal name) and rubs feces into the wound, some of the parasites can enter your bloodstream and cause Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is potentially fatal, with some 30 percent of those infected developing serious heart issues, the CDC says. The disease is rare in the U.S. but endemic in Latin America.

Kissing bugs are found under porches, in animal burrows, and even in dog kennels. Keep kissing bugs away from your home by sealing cracks and gaps around windows or doors, keeping wood and brush piles away from your house, and letting outdoor pets sleep inside, the CDC says.

If you think you’ve spotted a kissing but, don’t squash it, the CDC warns. Instead, place it in a jar and fill it with rubbing alcohol or leave it in a freezer before bringing it to health professionals.