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Emiliana Rodriguez, a Bolivian woman living in Barcelona, grew up fearing the “monster” of Chagas disease, which spreads through nocturnal insects. She was diagnosed with it after moving to Spain 27 years ago. Chagas, often unnoticed, affects up to 8 million people globally and kills 12,000 each year.

The disease is transmitted by “kissing bugs,” which bite while humans sleep. It’s most common in rural areas of Latin America, but cases are growing in other parts of the world, including Europe and the U.S. Many remain unaware they have it, as symptoms can take years to appear.

Chagas is often misdiagnosed, and public awareness is low. Despite two existing treatments, the medications are not very effective for adults and are often unpleasant. Efforts to raise awareness, like the World Chagas Disease Day on April 14, aim to increase testing and treatment, though progress remains slow.

Rodriguez, now active in raising awareness, urges for greater recognition of Chagas and better treatments for those affected. The disease’s hidden nature and social factors contribute to its neglect in healthcare policies.