Elvira Rodríguez discovered she was infected with Chagas disease while expecting her first child. Concerned for her baby’s health, she began treatment to prevent the disease from being passed on. Thankfully, her daughter was born healthy and tested negative.
In Mexico, Elvira Idalia Hernández Cuevas learned about Chagas when her 18-year-old son was diagnosed after donating blood. Having never heard of the disease, she struggled to find the proper medical care. Chagas is caused by parasitic kissing bugs, which are common in Latin America but also found in parts of North America, Europe, and Australia. These bugs transmit the disease through bites and feces, which can be inadvertently ingested.
Chagas affects an estimated 8 million people in Latin America and 6-7 million globally. If left untreated, it can lead to severe heart and digestive problems, causing approximately 12,000 deaths each year. While kissing bugs are found in the U.S., Chagas is not widespread there.
Hernández and her daughter faced difficulty finding doctors knowledgeable about Chagas, as many in Mexico downplay its significance. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Chagas as a neglected tropical disease, making treatment and prevention more challenging. The disease is spreading, transmitted through blood transfusions, organ donations, and from mother to child.
Although Chagas can be treated with medications like benznidazole and nifurtimox, these treatments are not highly effective in adults and often come with severe side effects. Rodríguez endured serious reactions during her treatment but continues to undergo annual check-ups. Hernández, now president of FINDECHAGAS, is committed to raising awareness and advocating for improved resources and support for those suffering from Chagas.
