‘The Kissing Bug’ And The Story Of A Neglected Disease - Science Friday Recap

Podcast: Science Friday

Published: 2026-01-09

Duration: 18 minutes

Guests: Daisy Hernández

Summary

Daisy Hernández explores Chagas disease, a neglected illness affecting millions, through her personal family history and broader public health implications.

What Happened

Daisy Hernández shares her personal connection to Chagas disease, a condition that affected her aunt, and which she later discovered was not caused by a 'bad apple' as she was told. Her book, 'The Kissing Bug,' delves into the story of her aunt Dora, who exhibited symptoms like severe stomach pain and an enlarged abdomen before being diagnosed with Chagas.

Hernández discusses the transmission of Chagas, a parasitic disease spread by the triatomine insect, commonly known as the kissing bug. The disease is primarily found in South America, although its presence in the U.S. is minimal, with only about 100 cases identified by the CDC from insects native to the U.S.

The conversation highlights the chronic nature of Chagas, where symptoms may not always appear, making it difficult to diagnose and treat before it reaches a stage where there is no cure for adults. Hernández emphasizes the lack of awareness and resources dedicated to this 'neglected tropical disease,' which affects around 8 million people, mostly in Latin America.

In discussing the implications of Chagas disease, Hernández notes that awareness varies across Latin America, with some countries like Brazil and Argentina having more knowledge due to early identification and understanding.

The episode also addresses the stigma surrounding Chagas disease, particularly in immigrant communities in the U.S. Hernández shares her experiences growing up as the bilingual interpreter for her aunt, navigating the medical system, and witnessing the fear of stigma and misunderstanding.

Furthermore, the intersection of public health and immigration is explored, highlighting how immigrant communities face additional challenges due to fear of deportation and lack of access to healthcare, exacerbating the neglect of diseases like Chagas.

Hernández reflects on her aunt's fear of stigma and how the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s may have influenced her aunt's perception of being diagnosed with a little-known disease. She also mentions the potential for a cure if diagnosed early in children, stressing the importance of prenatal screening to prevent the disease's progression.

Key Insights

• Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by the triatomine insect, also known as the kissing bug. While primarily found in South America, the CDC has identified only about 100 cases in the U.S. from native insects.
• Chagas disease affects approximately 8 million people, mostly in Latin America, and is classified as a 'neglected tropical disease' due to the lack of awareness and resources dedicated to it.
• Symptoms of Chagas disease may not appear immediately, making early diagnosis challenging. There is no cure for adults once the disease progresses, but early detection in children can lead to successful treatment.
• Stigma and fear of deportation in immigrant communities in the U.S. contribute to the neglect of Chagas disease. These factors, along with limited access to healthcare, exacerbate the challenges faced by affected individuals.