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KwaZulu-Natal Department of
Health Vectors and Pests |
Human African trypanosomiasis
Human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness is a widespread tropical
disease that can be fatal if not treated. It is spread by the bite of an
infected tsetse fly (Glossina Genus).
The tsetse fly bite erupts into a red sore and within a few weeks the person can
experience fever, swollen lymph glands, aching muscles and joints, headaches and
irritability.
In advanced stages, the disease attacks the central nervous system, causing
changes in personality, alteration of the biological clock (the circadian
rhythm), confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and difficulty walking and
talking. These problems can develop over many years in the Gambiense form and
some months in the Rhodesiense form; if not treated, the person will die.
Control of sleeping sickness is based on reduction of the reservoirs of
infection by early diagnosis and control of tsetse flies.
Reference: http://www.who.int/topics/trypanosomiasis_african/en/