What To Do If Bitten By An Assassin Bug

Should You Kill or Capture the Bug?

If the insect is still around, identification can be helpful.

But don’t handle an unfamiliar insect with your bare hands just to get a closer look.

If you can safely photograph it without touching it, a clear photograph may help with identification.

If you already have the insect, avoid crushing it against your skin.

The goal isn’t to turn an insect bite into another insect bite!

What Does a Kissing Bug Look Like?

Triatomine bugs vary by species, so appearance isn’t always enough for someone without entomology experience to make a confident identification.

They generally have an elongated body and a relatively cone-shaped head, with a prominent piercing mouthpart.

Some have distinctive patterns or orange, red, yellow, or other markings along the edges of the abdomen.

But there are many other insects that can look similar.

That’s why it’s better to say “suspected triatomine bug” unless the insect has been reliably identified.

What Is Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.

It is most common in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, although cases occur elsewhere as well.

The early stage can cause mild symptoms—or no noticeable symptoms at all.

Possible early symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Rash
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling around the eyelid in some cases

The CDC notes that the chronic form can remain silent for years, while some infected people eventually develop serious heart or digestive problems.

That sounds frightening, but it’s important not to jump from “I was bitten by a bug” to “I have Chagas disease.”

Those are very different statements.

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

Consider contacting a healthcare professional if:

• You believe the insect was a triatomine or kissing bug.
• You were bitten while traveling or living in an area where Chagas disease is more common.
• You develop unusual symptoms after the exposure.
• The bite becomes increasingly red, warm, painful, or swollen.
• You develop signs of an allergic reaction.
• You’re unsure what insect bit you and the reaction is significant.

If you have a photograph of the insect, keep it available for identification.

And tell your healthcare provider about the location and circumstances of the exposure.

If Chagas disease is suspected, a healthcare professional can determine whether testing is appropriate. The CDC notes that diagnosis is made with laboratory testing, including blood tests.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Most ordinary insect bites simply cause localized irritation.

But after a suspected triatomine exposure, it’s worth knowing what symptoms can occur with Chagas disease.

Possible Early Symptoms

Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Body aches
• Rash
• Appetite changes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling around one eye

Some people have no obvious symptoms during the acute stage.

That’s one reason exposure history can be important when talking with a healthcare professional.