The kissing bug may seem harmless, but it can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease—a serious illness that often develops silently. Because these insects bite at night and inject an anesthetic, most people never feel the bite. Early symptoms are easy to overlook, including mild redness or swelling at the bite site, a firm bump, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. One major sign of infection is swelling around one eye, known as Romaña sign, which requires urgent medical attention.
Although early symptoms may fade, the parasite can remain in the body for years and later cause severe heart and digestive problems. Seek medical care if you notice unexplained eye swelling, lingering flu-like symptoms, or live in areas where kissing bugs are common. Recognizing early warning signs is key to preventing long-term complications.
