During her childhood, Emiliana Rodríguez remembers observing friends engage in a nighttime game of soccer, when suddenly one of the participants collapsed lifeless on the field. Not comprehending what had taken place, the Bolivian native Rodríguez developed a fear of the night, terrified of the silent assassin known as Chagas, the “creature” she was informed only emerges after sunset.

Chagas represents a distinct kind of creature, a “quiet and hushed illness,” transmitted by nocturnal insects that infect up to 8 million individuals each year, with Rodríguez’ friend being one of the 12,000 victims annually.