If you notice this insect in your home, you should go immediately to…see more

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.

Related Posts

My Neighbor Poured Cement Over My Flower Bed, Calling Me “Old and Harmless” — But He Learned Never to Mess with an Old Woman

Vance moved in with a frown and a lawnmower that worked with ruthless precision. His neighbor offered him honey and a shot at friendly peace, but he…

If You Get These Bruises on Your Body, It Might Mean Something Serious

Unexplained bruises—especially on arms, legs, or torso—can be more than just “aging.” While occasional bruising is normal, sudden or frequent bruises, especially with other symptoms, may signal…

“What did you just say?” – Senator John Kennedy erupts over Stacey Abrams’ divisive remarks, then a shocking ‘hot mic’ moment rocks Congress

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on July 29, 2025, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) unleashed a fiery rebuke against Stacey Abrams, accusing her of making “blatant racial…

Shania Twain catches heat for blonde look at awards show

Shania Twain stepped back into the spotlight last week to host the 2024 People’s Choice Country Music Awards 2024, and the reaction was… well, mixed. At this…

Woman told to see doctor immediately after sharing image of her thumb online

woman recently shared her concern on Reddit about a light brown vertical line that had appeared on her thumbnail and refused to fade over time. At first…

Diabetic foot can manifest itself through various types of infections and different severities. Symptoms in 1st comment ⬇

Understanding Diabetic Foot and Its Risks Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, often presenting as ulcers or sores that heal very slowly—or not at…