Student from Davao De Oro gets hospitalized after getting bitten by 'kissing bug'

An agriculture student from Davao De Oro was hospitalized after he was bitten by a "kissing bug."

As seen in Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Friday, the student, Serafin Foronda III, caught the insect for a school project.

"Kakaiba 'yung bug, para siyang cockroach na may spots. 'Yung pagkabrown niya is medyo orange. White 'yung mga spots pattern," Serafin said.

When he accidentally got bitten by the bug on his thumb, Serafin initially thought the insect might have a venom so he pressed his finger to make it bleed.

No blood came out, but Serafin later experienced chest pains and numbness. He was then rushed to the hospital.

According to Alhmar Cervantes, an entomologist and pest management professional, the kissing bug is a piercing and sucking insect.

"Tinutusok niya 'yung balat natin, and then hihigupin niya 'yung dugo. Mayroon silang mga nilalabas na saliva," he said.

"There are few people that can have allergic reactions to this saliva. nangangati, namamaga, o kaya namumula. 'Yung iba nagkakaroon pa ng anaphylactic shock," he added.

The kissing bug can carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes the Chagas disease that can result to heart and digestive problems.

Cervantes also explained why the insect, which is called the Triatomine bug, is known as the kissing bug.

"Ang favorite niya ay sa may mata tsaka sa may bibig. Para kang hinahalikan. Hinahanap nila 'yung carbon dioxide na lumalabas sa katawan natin. Dito pinakamalakas lumabas yung carbon dioxide," he said.

Meanwhile, Serafin eventually recovered from his symptoms after getting treated at the hospital.

If you get bitten by a kissing bug, the first thing you can do is wash the bite with soap and water. You can then put some calamine lotion or other anti-itch cream in the area. To relieve some swelling, use an ice pack. Be sure to also consult a doctor.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News