Emily Chan
In the past, New Castle County, Delaware, had not been included as part of the species’ range. It is Delaware’s most densely populated and northernmost region.
Inside, the home was kept clean and well-maintained. Outside, it was surrounded by farmland, estates, and forest fragments.
These conditions provided potential habitats for the insects and their hosts, allowing for disease to be transmitted in the area.
The homeowner tested negative for T. cruzi antibodies, but they did report experiencing heart palpitations and strange bite marks around the same time that the bugs were discovered, pointing to a possible public health concern.
Furthermore, the incident underscored the urgent need for improved education and the establishment of proper protocols in places where the presence of these insects is not usually expected.
The researchers did note that only two samples of the insects were available for testing. They also did not test local wildlife for T. cruzi, which could have provided a clearer picture of the parasite’s prevalence in the area.
A larger sample size and a broader assessment could’ve told them more about kissing bug presence.
