African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)
The tsetse fly’s painful bite can transmit African trypanosomiasis, or ‘sleeping sickness’. The fly is found only in Africa between latitudes 15° north and 20° south, especially in remote rural regions. They are most common in savannah areas, such as those found in many game parks. Active during the day, the tsetse fly is attracted to large moving objects and the colour blue.
There are two forms of the disease, each caused by a different subspecies of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. One form, caused by the rhodesiense subspecies and therefore called the Rhodesian or eastern form, is an acute illness lasting up to a few weeks and occurs in eastern and southern regions. The other form, known as the western or Gambian form, occurs in western and central Africa, producing a long-lasting, chronic disease that causes symptoms over a period of many years.
If untreated, most patients with either form of the disease will die or be left with irreversible brain damage.
![]({"file":"31b811d4-a738-4970-addb-2d3f8c6bd980.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Tsetse Fly")
Symptoms
Seek medical help if you notice a boil-like sore a few days after being bitten, especially if you have also developed a fever. Other symptoms include fatigue, a high fever, headaches, and muscle aches.
Prevention
The tsetse fly is found most commonly in savannah areas. When visiting endemic areas, travellers should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants of medium-weight fabric, avoid bright-coloured clothing (tsetse flies are attracted to blue and black colours, bright colours, very dark colours and reflective, metallic fabric), keep car windows closed, and avoid bushes during the day. Permethrin and DEET have some value but are not always effective against the tsetse fly. However, they should still be used to prevent other diseases spread by bug bites. There is no vaccine or preventive drug available for this illness.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for African trypanosomiasis, there are treatments available. If the disease is left untreated, it can be fatal. Following treatment, patients are to be monitored for 24 months in the event of relapse.
Destinations
No destinations currently have an elevated risk of this disease.
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
No health alerts found.
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")