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.
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 Treatments are outdated and often harsh.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.”