Elvira Rodríguez discovered she was a carrier of Chagas disease while pregnant with her first child. Fearing for her baby’s future, she received treatment to prevent transmission. Fortunately, her daughter tested negative after birth.
In Mexico, Elvira Idalia Hernández Cuevas learned about Chagas when her 18-year-old son was diagnosed with it after a blood donation. She had never heard of the disease and struggled to find proper care. Chagas, caused by parasitic kissing bugs, is common in Latin America but also present in parts of North America, Europe, and Australia. These bugs spread the disease through bites and feces, which can be accidentally ingested.
Chagas affects around 8 million people in Latin America and 6-7 million globally. Left untreated, it can cause severe heart and gastrointestinal issues, leading to 12,000 deaths annually. Despite kissing bugs being present in the U.S., Chagas is not widespread there.
Hernández and her daughter faced challenges finding doctors familiar with Chagas, as many Mexican doctors downplay its prevalence. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers it a neglected tropical disease, which complicates treatment and prevention. The disease is becoming more widespread, transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child.
Although Chagas can be treated with benznidazole and nifurtimox, these drugs are not highly effective in adults and can cause serious side effects. Rodríguez experienced severe reactions during treatment but continues annual check-ups. Hernández, now president of FINDECHAGAS, is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for better resources and support for Chagas sufferers.
