Conenose Bug

Chagas Disease

Conenose Bug
California Department of Public Health

Kissing bugs are blood-sucking insects that live in North, Central, and South America. They feed on animals and sometimes bite humans. Some, but not all, kissing bugs carry a parasite (Trypanasoma cruzi) that causes Chagas disease.

The parasite is spread when the feces of an infected kissing bug comes into contact with the bite area, or with the eyes, ears, or nose. Sometimes, kissing bugs will defecate immediately after feeding, and if a person scratches the bite, they can become infected with Chagas disease.

Mother to child 
Sometimes, Chagas disease can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy. About 1-5% of infants born to mothers with Chagas disease become infected. Women at risk for Chagas disease should be screened before or during pregnancy.  

Transplant or transfusion 
Chagas disease can be spread by receiving blood or an organ from someone infected with Chagas disease. In the United States, blood donors are tested for Chagas disease before it is given to someone. 

Oral transmission 
Less common in the United States, someone can become infected with Chagas disease if they consume food or drink (fruit juice) that is contaminated with feces from an infected kissing bug.