One bite changed everything for Elvira Rodríguez. During pregnancy, she learned she had Chagas disease, a silent illness carried by kissing bugs. Though her daughter escaped infection, the ordeal opened her eyes to a global health crisis few discuss.
These nocturnal insects, common in Latin America but found as far north as the U.S., transmit a parasite through their feces. Accidental contact can lead to infection, with symptoms sometimes taking decades to emerge. By then, irreversible heart damage may have occurred.
Hernández Cuevas became an activist after her healthy-seeming son was diagnosed via a blood test. “We need better education,” she insists, noting that even medical professionals often overlook Chagas.
With limited treatment options and rising cases worldwide, prevention is key. Seal cracks in your home, use insect screens, and be vigilant—especially at night when these bugs are active. Your family’s health may depend on it.
