A Miami teenager, Luna, unknowingly had Chagas disease, a parasitic infection spread by 'kissing bugs', discovered after a blood donation. Neither she nor her mother had heard of the disease, common in Latin America but also present in the US. Experts are pushing for Chagas to be recognized as an endemic disease in the US due to underreporting and lack of awareness among medical professionals. Luna received treatment, experiencing side effects, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and early detection to prevent long-term health complications. The CDC is urged to take the issue seriously.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.