Kissing bugs, formally known as triatomine bugs, are blood-feeding insects confirmed to be present in Illinois. These insects are vectors for the parasite that causes Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), which is a serious concern in parts of Central and South America. While the bugs are present, they are not widespread throughout the state, and the risk of human disease transmission is considered very low. The primary species found locally belong to the Triatoma genus, which is part of the larger assassin bug family.
Confirmed Presence and Distribution in Illinois
Two species of triatomine bugs are most likely to be found in Illinois: the bloodsucking conenose (Triatoma sanguisuga) and Triatoma lecticularia. The bloodsucking conenose is the more commonly encountered species. Their established presence is concentrated mostly in the southern half of Illinois, with only rare sightings reported in the central and northern regions. These bugs are typically associated with wild animal habitats, such as wood piles, under tree bark, and in the nests or burrows of mammals like raccoons and opossums. Although native to the region, the risk they pose to human health in Illinois is significantly lower than in Southern states because they rarely infest human dwellings.
Identifying the Triatomine Bug
Triatomine bugs are a type of assassin bug with distinct physical features that help differentiate them from common look-alikes. An adult bloodsucking conenose is about three-quarters of an inch long and has a dark brown or black, flattened body. A narrow, cone-shaped head that extends forward from a thin neck is a defining characteristic. The insect’s wide abdomen extends slightly beyond its wing margins, displaying a pattern of reddish-orange or yellowish spots along the sides.
Look-alikes include the wheel bug, which possesses a prominent, cogwheel-like crest on its thorax. The squash bug has a much shorter, more triangular head shape, lacking the triatomine bug’s characteristic long, thin neck.
Understanding the Associated Health Risks
The primary health concern is the bug’s role as a vector for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Transmission does not occur directly through the bite, as the bugs do not inject the pathogen. Instead, transmission occurs when the bug feeds and then defecates near the bite site, leaving the parasite in its feces. If the person or animal scratches the area, the parasite can be inadvertently introduced into the wound, an eye, or a mucous membrane.
Chagas disease has two phases: an initial acute phase and a later chronic phase. The acute phase often has no symptoms or only mild, flu-like signs, such as fever or swelling at the bite location. The chronic phase develops in up to 30% of untreated individuals, sometimes years or decades later. This stage can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, particularly affecting the heart (e.g., heart failure or irregular rhythms) or causing digestive problems. Although the parasite has been detected in triatomine bugs and wildlife in Illinois, there have been no confirmed cases of human acquisition within the state.
Immediate Action Upon Discovery
If a suspected triatomine bug is found inside a home, handle it carefully to avoid potential exposure. The insect should not be squashed, as this can release the parasite if the bug is infected. Safely capture the bug by placing a container over it and sliding a piece of cardboard underneath to seal it. The sealed container should be submitted immediately to local public health authorities or a university extension office for identification and testing. This reporting helps officials monitor the spread of the insect and the parasite.