Insects - Page 2

September 4

‘Silent killer’ parasitic disease spreading across multiple US states, experts warn

"Kissing bugs" transmit Chagas disease through infected feces, causing symptoms like fever and potentially fatal heart problems in 20%-30% of chronic cases.

August 26

Major Midwest city tops bedbug infestation list for fifth consecutive year

Chicago leads Orkin's annual bedbug cities list for 2025, based on commercial and residential treatment data from metro areas across the United States.

August 25

Flesh-eating parasite case detected in US traveler returning from Central America

The CDC has confirmed a human screwworm case in Maryland linked to a Central American outbreak, with health officials stating there is a very low risk to U.S. public health.

August 16

USDA announces $750M sterile fly breeding program to protect cattle from Mexican flesh-eating maggots

The USDA has announced a new sterile fly breeding site in southern Texas to protect American cattle from the deadly New World screwworm maggots near the Mexico border.

August 15

Mosquito-borne dengue fever cases surge at popular US vacation destination

Dengue fever cases have surged in Hawaii with the latest travel-related infection, prompting health department warnings about mosquito-borne virus prevention for returning travelers.

August 7

Could chikungunya virus spread to US? Here's what Americans should know

Mosquito-borne chikungunya virus has caused an outbreak in China, but public health experts say the risk for spread and infection in U.S. remains low.

August 7

Dangerous tick-borne virus causes brain damage in vulnerable young patient

A Boston baby is hospitalized with seizures and brain damage after a tick bite on Martha's Vineyard may have led to Powassan virus, which transmits faster than Lyme disease.

August 6

Mosquito-borne virus spreading through China causes high fever, joint pain

China is battling a widespread chikungunya outbreak using drones, insecticides and quarantine measures, as a mosquito-borne virus has infected over 7,000 people in Guangdong.

August 6

Tarantulas are on the move and will swarm during mating season in certain states

Tarantula mating season has led to increased spider sightings in Southwestern U.S. states as males leave their burrows to find females, though the spiders are not aggressive to humans.

August 2

Radioactive wasp nest discovered by workers at former nuclear bomb site

Workers at South Carolina's Savannah River Site, a nuclear facility, found a radioactive wasp nest with radiation levels 10 times higher than federal regulations allow.