Sleeping Sickness
Where does sleeping sickness occur?
The disease is caused by two different parasites transmitted by tsetse flies. The form caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (T. b. gambiense) occurs in rural regions of West and Central Africa. The variant caused by T. b. rhodesiense is found in rural areas of East and Southern Africa.
How can I protect myself from sleeping sickness?
Prevention is possible through consistent protection against insect bites. This includes insect repellents applied to the skin, insecticide-treated clothing, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors, and – in certain situations – mosquito nets (e.g., over a stroller). Tsetse flies are especially attracted to bright, very dark, and particularly blue clothing, which should therefore be avoided. These flies are active during the day and can bite through thin fabrics, so sturdier textiles are recommended.
Additionally, you should avoid bushes, dense forests, riverbanks, and the proximity of livestock and wild animals – especially during the hot hours of the day when the flies tend to gather there. Before getting into a vehicle, it's advisable to check the interior for flies. You should also avoid flailing or hectic movements, as these can attract tsetse flies.
What you should know about sleeping sickness?
After a bite, a painful swelling may develop at the site within 2–3 days, known as a trypanosomal chancre.
Sleeping sickness typically progresses in two stages:
In Stage I (the hemolymphatic phase), the parasites are present in the blood and lymphatic system. General symptoms occur, such as fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, soft tissue swelling (edema), itching, and rash.
As the infection progresses, the pathogens reach the central nervous system, and the disease enters Stage II (the meningoencephalitic phase). This stage is characterized by neurological symptoms such as confusion, coordination problems, seizures, apathy, weight loss, and sleep disturbances. In the final stage, patients fall into a twilight state, which is where the disease gets its name.The two parasites differ in how quickly the disease progresses:
The West African form (T. b. gambiense) typically has a slow, chronic course; symptoms may not appear until months or even more than a year after infection.
The East African form (T. b. rhodesiense) progresses much faster, with symptoms appearing within a few days to a few weeks, and the disease advancing rapidly.Treatment of African trypanosomiasis depends on the specific parasite and the stage of the disease, and it is usually administered under inpatient supervision.