The inch-long triatomine bug is called the "kissing bug" because it has a habit of feeding on blood by biting around the lips and faces of people while they sleep, CNN reported.

It's not the bite that's deadly, but rather the bug's other unfortunate habit of defecating on the bite afterward. Some kissing bugs are infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can be transmitted in the fecal material, and cause the potentially deadly Chagas disease.

Chagas disease most often causes flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches and vomiting. However, 20-30 percent of those infected with the disease can contract chronic conditions, including difficulty breathing, chest pains and sudden death. WECT-TV reports that these symptoms can remain dormant for up to 20 years. cowgirl wedding items for a country wedding

Deadly Triatomine 'kissing bug' now in 28 US states: What you need to know The kissing bug bites people around the mouth, and can spread the potentially deadly Chagas disease.syracuse.com | By Ben Axelson See more from Ben Axelson .