While pregnant, Rodríguez learned she had Chagas disease, a parasitic infection spread by kissing bugs. After treatment, her baby tested negative. In Mexico, Elvira Idalia Hernández Cuevas discovered her daughter had Chagas at 18. Doctors were unfamiliar with the disease, delaying care. Chagas, identified in 1909, is common in Latin America and spreads through bites from kissing bugs. Left untreated, it can cause severe heart or gastrointestinal issues. Hernández criticized authorities for underreporting cases and poor doctor training. Classified as a neglected tropical disease, Chagas receives little attention. Existing medications have severe side effects. Rodríguez endured hives, dizziness, and nausea during treatment. Professor David Moore from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London founded the Chagas Hub to improve care, but progress toward WHO’s 2030 elimination goal is slow. Hernández, now president of FINDECHAGAS, advocates for greater awareness. If you see kissing bugs, seek medical help
If you notice this insect in your home, you should go immediately to…
