While pregnant with her first child, Rodríguez discovered she carried Chagas disease, a condition caused by parasitic insects known as “kissing bugs.” Fear consumed her as she worried about her baby’s future. Fortunately, after treatment, her daughter tested negative.
In Mexico, Elvira Idalia Hernández Cuevas learned about Chagas when her 18-year-old daughter tested positive while donating blood. “I had never heard of it,” Hernández recalled. “When I read it was a silent killer, I was terrified.”
Chagas was first identified in 1909 by Brazilian doctor Carlos Chagas. Today, it affects 6–7 million people worldwide, mostly in Latin America, though cases exist in North America, Europe, and beyond. The disease often spreads silently; only about 10% of cases are detected. Left untreated, it can cause severe heart or digestive issues years later, killing an estimated 12,000 people annually.
Rodríguez endured harsh side effects from treatment but persevered. Meanwhile, Hernández campaigns globally to raise awareness, criticizing the lack of medical training and resources. Experts stress the need for new, effective medicines, but progress remains slow. For now, advocacy is essential to fight this neglected tropical disease.
