These Bugs Could Be Everywhere! If You Ever Get Stung
The Silent Killer
Emiliana Rodríguez, from Bolivia, was haunted by a childhood memory of a friend dying during a soccer game—later revealed to be Chagas disease.
Known as a “silent and silenced disease,” Chagas is transmitted by night-active kissing bugs and kills about 12,000 people yearly. “The fear usually came at night.
Sometimes I didn’t sleep,” Rodríguez recalled.
Unexpected Diagnoses
Rodríguez discovered she had Chagas while pregnant but received treatment that protected her baby.
In Mexico, Elvira Hernández learned her daughter had Chagas through a routine blood test. “I was terrified… I didn’t know what to do or where to go,” she said.
Neglected and Misunderstood
Chagas affects millions, but only 10% are diagnosed. “Medical professionals don’t receive any training,” Hernández explained. Treatments are outdated and often harsh.
Raising Awareness
Rodríguez now campaigns in Spain: “I’m fed up with so much silence.
I want people to talk about Chagas… get tested and get treatment.”
