Kissing Bugs May Be Headed to Michigan

Kissing bugs - also known as assassin bugs - may be headed our way. Typically, these bugs are found in Mexico, Central and South America and the southwest U.S. But, according to WILX-TV, lately they've been confirmed by the CDC to be further north, along the U.S. east coast - and while not yet confirmed in Michigan, it appears these bugs are headed north and could be on their way to Michigan.

Here's a comforting fact: the reason they're called kissing bugs and assassin bugs is they feed on animal or human blood and the bites are frequently found around the mouth. And even though it's not common in the U.S., they also carry a parasite that can cause Chagas disease, which, if not treated, can lead to congestive heart failure. It's estimated that about 7 million people in Latin America suffer from Chagas disease and it kills 8,000 people a year.

So, no need to panic - yet, but here's the story.