What To Do If Bitten By An Assassin Bug
What About Swelling Around the Eye?
Swelling of the eyelid after suspected exposure to a triatomine bug deserves medical attention, particularly if there is a plausible exposure history.
The CDC calls this Romaña’s sign when it occurs as part of acute Chagas infection. It can happen when parasite-containing bug feces are accidentally rubbed into or around the eye.
It doesn’t mean every swollen eyelid after an insect bite is Chagas disease.
There are many other possible causes.
But it’s a good reason to speak with a healthcare professional if the exposure fits.
When Is an Insect Bite an Emergency?
Seek urgent medical care if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Widespread hives
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
Also seek medical attention for a bite that becomes severely painful, rapidly swollen, or shows signs of a significant infection.
Don’t wait for a minor insect bite to become a major problem.
Can You Get Chagas Disease From Every Assassin Bug?
No.
This is one of the most important points to remember.
“Assassin bug” describes a large insect family, while Chagas disease is associated with infected triatomine bugs.
Even among triatomine bugs, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi is not universal.
And exposure to an infected bug doesn’t automatically mean transmission occurred.
The CDC explains that transmission generally involves infected bug feces entering the body through a bite wound or mucous membranes.
Can You Treat Chagas Disease?
Yes.
If someone is diagnosed with Chagas disease, effective antiparasitic treatments are available, and treatment generally works best when started early.
This is another reason not to ignore a meaningful exposure simply because you feel fine.
A healthcare professional can decide whether testing is appropriate and what treatment, if any, is needed.
How Can You Avoid Assassin Bug Bites?
Prevention is much easier than trying to figure out what bit you afterward!
If you’re in an area where triatomine bugs are present, practical precautions include reducing insect access to sleeping areas and avoiding contact with the bugs.
The CDC recommends measures such as using screens, sealing cracks and gaps around buildings, and using bed nets in areas where exposure is a concern.
Around the Home
Helpful measures include:
- Repairing damaged window and door screens.
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and walls.
- Keeping sleeping areas protected from insects.
- Reducing piles of wood, brush, and rocks near the house.
- Keeping pets indoors at night where appropriate.
- Keeping outdoor lighting away from entrances when possible.
These steps can reduce opportunities for bugs to enter your living space.
What If You Find One Inside Your House?
Don’t grab it with your bare hands.
Keep children and pets away from it.
If possible, photograph it from a safe distance or have it professionally identified.
If you’re in an area where Chagas disease is a concern and you repeatedly find suspected triatomine bugs indoors, contacting a local public-health or pest-management professional can be a sensible next step.
The CDC notes that there are no insecticides specifically approved for triatomine bugs in the United States and recommends consulting pest-control professionals before using insecticides for this purpose.
