African trypanosomiasis - The danger of the tsetse fly bite

A single bite from the tsetse fly can lead to a fatal illness known as African sleeping sickness. Don't underestimate this threat if traveling to affected regions. This guide gives you the vital information needed to stay safe.

What are the main causes of African Trypanosomiasis?

• The disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tsetse fly.
• There are two main forms, East African vs West African sleeping sickness, caused by different parasite subspecies and progressing at different rates.
• Transmission can also rarely occur from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or through contaminated blood.

Key symptoms of African Trypanosomiasis to watch for

• Early stages of sleeping sickness include fever, headaches, joint pains, and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck (Winterbottom's sign).
• As parasites in blood multiply, the second stage begins, with neurological changes like confusion, poor coordination, and personality shifts.
• This advanced stage involves CNS involvement sleeping sickness, leading to the characteristic sleep cycle disruption that gives the disease its name.

How can you prevent African Trypanosomiasis effectively?

• The best prevention of sleeping sickness is avoiding tsetse fly bites by wearing neutral-colored, thick, long-sleeved clothing.
• Inspect vehicles before entering, as tsetse flies are attracted to moving vehicles, and avoid bushes where they rest during the day.
• Since no vaccine exists, personal protective measures and community-level vector control tsetse fly programs are the most effective strategies.

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Image of the disease African Trypanosomiasis

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Is sleeping sickness curable? Yes, with early diagnosis of trypanosomiasis. Specific drugs for sleeping sickness are available, but treatment for sleeping sickness depends on the stage. If you've traveled to an endemic area, seek immediate medical advice.

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