In Mexico, Elvira Idalia Hernández Cuevas learned about Chagas when her 18-year-old son was diagnosed after a blood donation. Unaware of the disease, she struggled to find proper care. Chagas, spread by parasitic kissing bugs, is common in Latin America but also found in North America, Europe, and Australia. Affecting 6-7 million people globally, untreated Chagas can cause severe heart and gastrointestinal issues, leading to 12,000 deaths annually. Despite kissing bugs in the U.S., the disease remains rare there. Hernández and her daughter faced challenges finding knowledgeable doctors, as many in Mexico downplay its prevalence. WHO classifies Chagas as a neglected tropical disease, complicating treatment. It spreads through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and mother-to-child transmission. Though benznidazole and nifurtimox treat Chagas, they have limited effectiveness in adults and cause severe side effects. Rodríguez experienced harsh reactions but continues annual check-ups. Now president of FINDECHAGAS, Hernández advocates for better awareness and resources
