| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urgently warning Americans of a not-so-new kissing disease. This illness has already infected over 300,000 people in the United States, and the CDC’s warning underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
And it’s not slowing down.
Mononucleosis (mono), a highly contagious illness primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is making a rapid and concerning resurgence. It is spread through saliva, so kissing, sharing utensils, or drinking from the same glass can all contribute to its transmission.
It is on the rise again, and mainly in the warmer states. While the ‘kissing disease’ does not discriminate based on age, it is more prevalent among the younger population.
Younger people, who are more likely to share spit and live in close quarters, have a significant role in preventing the spread of mononucleosis.
By being mindful of their actions and following recommended precautions, they can play a crucial role in stopping the spread of this illness, making them feel responsible and part of the solution.
Photo of the triatomine bug also known as the kissing bug.
According to the CDC, symptoms of mononucleosis are detectable if the infected person is aware of their body’s changes. The symptoms can develop slowly and include extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, muscle aches, and a general feeling of being unwell. In some cases, a rash may also appear. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Healthcare providers stress that “while most people recover in a few weeks, symptoms can sometimes last for months.” It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms appear, as they share similarities with other illnesses.
This precaution is to ensure your safety and well-being, and to provide you with the care and attention you need.
Severe cases of mononucleosis can lead to complications such as an enlarged spleen or liver, so it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent symptoms. Being aware of these potential complications can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Where Are They Primarily Found?
The CDC warns that the “Kissing bugs, also known as triatomine bugs, are primarily found in the Americas. They are more common in rural areas of Central and South America.
Still, they can also be found in the southern United States.
Specifically, kissing bugs can be found in the following regions:
Central and South America: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile.”
Southern United States: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida
They typically reside in:
Cracks and crevices in walls, Rodent nests, Animal burrows, underneath porches, and in woodpiles.
If by chance you believe a kissing bug has entered your residence, don’t hesitate to call a pest control professional. Short of calling a professional pest controller, you can also eliminate the critter with roach sprays.
“It’s important to note that the presence of kissing bugs in the United States is less common than in Central and South America. However, it’s still possible to encounter them in the southern states mentioned above,” advised experts.
“Think globally, act locally.”
It is crucial to be forward-thinking but not a forward person. “Be kind to everyone you meet because each carries his heavy burden…” Plato.
Embrace the three Constants: change, justice, and rightness.
The thought police are busy at work trying to suppress free speech. If allowed their march to madness, they will arrest your very thoughts.
Free Speech is thy Lord.’
