Public health officials in Wichita County say a lab test confirmed a Triatomine insect, also known as the ‘kissing bug’ collected in Wichita Falls has tested positive for a parasite that causes Chagas disease.

Kissing bugs are a blood feeding type of insect and are common in the southern part of the U.S.

This is, however, the first recorded incident of the presence of Chagas disease in Wichita County, according to health officials.

Read more about the kissing bug and Chagas disease here.