What is African Trypanosomiasis?

Human African trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness, African lethargy, or Congo trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease of people and animals, and transmitted by the tsetse fly.

Life cycle

T. b. rhodesiense Infectious Agents (Trypanosoma brucei) (East African Trypanosomiasis) T. b. gambiense (West African Trypanosomiasis) How the disease can be spread?
Infection occurs through vector-borne transmission by the bite of an infected tsetse fly (Glossina spp.). Transmission via bloodborne or congenital routes can occur but is rarely reported. The tsetse fly (genus Glossina) is a large, brown biting fly that serves as both a host and vector for the Trypanosome parasites.

Epidemiology
Strictly endemic in Africa with clear demarcation zone i.e. between latitudes 15N and 20S. WHO estimated 50,000 to 70,000 cases occurring annually. Majority are due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. T. b. rhodesiense is found in eastern and southeastern Africa. Over 95% of the cases of T. b. rhodesiense infection occur in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia. T. b. gambiense is found predominately in central Africa and in limited areas of West Africa. Over 95% of the cases of T. b. gambiense infection are reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Chad, and northern Uganda.

Risk for Travelers

Infection of international travelers occurs but is rare. On average, a single case per year is reported among U.S. travelers. Most infections in U.S. travelers are caused by T. b. rhodesiense and are acquired in East Africa game parks. Tsetse flies inhabit rural areas, living in the woodlands and thickets of the savannah and the dense vegetation along streams. Less than 1% of flies are infected in a typical endemic area. Tsetse flies bite during daylight hours. Most bites that occur on the African savannah are quite painful, and travelers often recall the bite. Travelers to urban areas are not at risk.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Severe Headache Endocrine disorders Skin rash Neurologic manifestation s Aching muscle and joints Myalgia

Extreme fatigue Malaise Behavior change Mood disorders

Renal failure

What should you do if you got these sign and symptoms??? NO vaccine or drug
Seek early medical attention. The infection can usually be cured by a course of antitrypanosomal therapy. Consult with an infectious disease or tropical medicine specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment drugs (suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine) are availabe under investigational protocols. Do not leave the country.

for prophylaxis!!! Prevention could be the best!!

Permethrin-impregnated clothing Use of DEET repellent Avoidance of high risk region of African Trypanosomiasis Health education Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering. Avoid bushes. Wear clothing of wrist and ankle length made of medium-weight fabric in neutral colors that blend with the background environment Splenomegaly