Deadly Disease Spreading Through U.S.

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - A deadly, so called kissing bug disease is spreading across the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control is warning that Chagas disease is on the rise and may become an endemic. The parasite is found in the triotomine insect and is called the kissing bug because it bites people on the face. The insect has been found in 32 states with 8 states reporting human infection. Symptoms include eyelid swelling at first and can eventually include heart and digestive issues.

For now, there are no vaccines or drugs that can prevent Chagas disease.