Can kissing bugs be found in Georgia?
Kissing bugs are typically found in southern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America. Eleven different species of kissing bugs have been found in more than 20 states in the U.S., including Georgia, according to a map provided by the CDC.
Is Chagas disease in Georgia?
Chagas disease is extremely rare in Georgia. In fact, in the United States only five insect-borne cases have ever been reported in humans (none of those cases were in Georgia). How is Chagas disease spread? Animals can become infected in the same way, or they might eat an infected bug.
How common are kissing bugs in Georgia?
While the disease is devastating in the countries that it affects, it is extremely rare in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Kissing bugs have been in Georgia for millions of years,” said Nancy Hinkle, UGA Extension veterinary and medical entomologist.
Are assassin bugs in Georgia?
The bug is known as “kissing” bugs, assassin bugs, cone-nosed bugs, and blood suckers. An interesting thing to note is that the map comprises a generality of all species, but only two are native to Georgia (T. sanguisuga and T. lecticularia) and only one species is native to Alabama (Triatoma sanguisuga).
Are stink bugs the same as kissing bugs?
These bugs feed on the blood of animals and humans, and tend to bite human faces. Kissing bugs look similar to stink bugs, but stink bugs are typically smaller and lack the red, orange, or yellow stripes of color that you can see on kissing bugs.
How long is acute phase of Chagas disease?
The initial acute phase lasts for about two months after infection. During the acute phase, a high number of parasites circulate in the blood but in most cases, symptoms are absent or mild and unspecific.
Does Georgia have stink bugs?
The brown marmorated stink bug — known for its putrid odor — will crawl into your home once cooler temperatures arrive in Georgia. You’ll recognize them by their marbled or streaked, or marmorated, appearance. Found in Georgia and 45 other states, stink bugs are an enemy to fruit growers in particular.
Does Georgia have chiggers?
In Georgia, rabbits and mice are chiggers’ main natural hosts. But we do have different species in Georgia, one in the coastal plain and another in north Georgia. You’re not going to find chiggers in areas lacking cover. They’re vulnerable to dehydration, so they have to stay in shaded areas with higher humidity.
What is Georgia’s state insect?
the honeybee
In 1975, the honeybee was named the official state insect. The honeybee has a highly specialized labor force, an elaborate social structure, an astounding communications system and a well-fed population.
What is Chagas disease do to you?
Also called American trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease can infect anyone. Left untreated, Chagas disease later can cause serious heart and digestive problems. During the acute phase of infection, treatment of Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite.
Do stink bugs carry diseases?
They do not bite people or pets and they are not known to transmit disease or cause physical harm. However, some people may be sensitive to allergens given off by the stink bugs. Adult brown marmorated stink bugs, like other pests, can enter homes through cracks and crevices.
Does Chagas disease go away?
Signs and symptoms that develop during the acute phase usually go away on their own. In some cases, if the infection isn’t treated, Chagas disease will advance to the chronic phase.
Are kissing bugs a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi?
Abstract Triatomine insects (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), commonly known as kissing bugs, are a potential health problem in the southwestern United States as possible vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease.
What is Trypanosoma cruzi disease?
This disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to humans by blood-sucking insects of the family Reduviidae (Triatominae).
Are kissing bugs dangerous to humans?
Triatomine insects (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), commonly known as kissing bugs, are a potential health problem in the southwestern United States as possible vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease.
Are there kissing bugs in Arizona?
Adult female kissing bug of the species Triatoma rubida, the most abundant triatomine species in southern Arizona. Scale bar = 1 cm. Photo credit line: Photograph by C. Hedgcock.