Trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness)

African sleeping sickness, transmitted by the tsetse fly, has been a major impediment to the social and economic development of Central and East Africa. With the use of modern drugs, insecticides, and other control methods, this disease was effectively controlled in most countries by the mid-1960s. In the past 20 years, however, major epidemics have occurred in East and Central Africa, mainly because control programs were disrupted by war

Protozoan hemoflagellates belonging to the complex Trypanosoma brucei is the agent for trypanosomiasis

Manifestations: A trypanosomal chancre can develop on the site of inoculation. This is followed by a haemolymphatic stage with symptoms that include :

Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Headaches
Somnolence
Abnormal behaviour
Loss of consciousness
Coma.

Diagnose and treatment: Diagnose is demonstrated by blood test. Specific therapy is not available.

Prevent trypanosomiasis by:

Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants. The tsetse fly can bite through thin fabrics, so clothing should be made of thick material.
Wear khaki or olive coloured clothing. The tsetse fly is attracted to both bright and very dark colours.
Use insect repellent. Though insect repellents have not proven effective in preventing tsetse fly bites, they are effective in preventing other insects from biting and causing illness.
When sleeping, use bednets.
Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering.
Don’t ride in the back of jeeps, pickup trucks or other open vehicles. The tsetse fly is attracted to the dust that moving vehicles and wild animals create.
Avoid bushes. The tsetse fly is less active during the hottest period of the day. It rests in bushes but may bite if disturbed.

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