We enjoy working on research and publishing our findings in peer reviewed journals but we realize those publications primarily reach an academic audience and felt our collaborative project should be accessible to a broader public. With that in mind, we made some videos to try to bring to life what we are up to and to help inform those who may be at risk of Chagas disease.

The video above provides an overview of our research and explains the basics of Chagas disease. During our fieldwork, we observed that many community members recognized the insects responsible for biting them but were unaware of the associated health risks. The bugs were known by different local names, and while people commonly linked their bites to an itchy rash, few realized this could signal infection with a chronic and serious disease. Participants in this video kindly agreed to be interviewed on camera to share their local knowledge. Following each interview, we informed them about Chagas disease and offered guidance on prevention and protection.

In Cuernavaca, we met with the Vectores Morelos team, who conduct home inspections, eradicate infestations, and carry out educational outreach. They generously allowed us to accompany them for a day to learn more about their mission and document their fieldwork. We hope that sharing documentation like this can help raise awareness and inform communities that may not have access to such a comprehensive inspection and prevention program.

We met survivors and family members affected by Chagas disease who wanted to share their stories to put a human face on the issue and offer a resource for others who may be ill or at risk. A common theme that emerged was the lack of local awareness—many doctors were unfamiliar with the disease and did not know how to screen for it. Those we interviewed were among the fortunate few who had access to information and connections with local experts.