East African
Trypanosomiasis
(tri-PAN-o-SO-my-a-sis)
What is African
trypanosomiasis?
There are two types
of African trypanosomiasis, also called sleeping sickness, named for the
areas in Africa in which they are found. East African trypanosomiasis is
caused by a parasite named Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
(tri-PAN-o-SO-ma brew-see-eye rho-dee-see-ense). In the United States,
twenty-one cases of East African trypanosomiasis in travelers to Africa
have been reported since 1967.
How can I get East African
trypanosomiasis?
Through the bite of
an infected tsetse fly, found only in Africa.
Is East African
trypanosomiasis a serious illness?
Yes. If untreated,
death will occur within several weeks to months.
What are the symptoms of East
African trypanosomiasis?
A bite by the tsetse
fly is often painful and can develop into a red sore, also called a
chancre (SHAN-ker). Fever, severe headaches, irritability, extreme
fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and aching muscles and joints are common
symptoms of sleeping sickness. Some people get a skin rash. Progressive
confusion, personality changes, slurred speech, seizures, and difficulty
in walking and talking occur when infection has invaded the central
nervous system. If left untreated, infection becomes worse and death
will occur within several weeks or months.
How soon will I have symptoms
of East African trypanosomiasis?
Symptoms occur within
1-4 weeks of infection.
Can I take a medication to
prevent East African trypanosomiasis?
No. Neither a vaccine
nor recommended drug is available to prevent East African
trypanosomiasis.
What should I do if I think I
have African trypanosomiasis?
See your health care
provider who will order several tests for the parasite. Common tests
include blood samples, a spinal tap, and skin biopsies, especially if
you have a chancre.
What is the treatment for
East African trypanosomiasis?
Treatment should be
started as soon as possible and is based on the infected person’s
symptoms and laboratory results. Medication for the treatment of East
African trypanosomiasis is available through the CDC. Hospitalization is
necessary for treatment. Periodic follow-up exams, including a spinal
tap, are required for 2 years.
Once infected, am I immune to
East African trypanosomiasis?
No. You can get
reinfected.
Where can you contract East
African trypanosomiasis?
East African
trypanosomiasis can be contracted in parts of Eastern and Central
Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zaire,
Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Areas where infection is contracted are largely
determined by the infected tsetse fly and wild animal population. See
the map for areas where East African trypanosomiasis can be found.
Who is at risk for
contracting African trypanosomiasis?
East African
trypanosomiasis is usually found in woodland and savannah areas away
from human habitation. Tourists, hunters, game wardens, and other
persons working or visiting game parks in East and Central Africa are at
greatest risk for illness.
How can I prevent
African trypanosomiasis and prevent other insect bites?
- 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 colored clothing. The tsetse fly is attracted to both bright
and very dark colors.
- Use insect
repellant. Though insect repellants 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.
For more information:
- Bryan R, Waskin J,
Richards F, et al. African trypanosomiasis in American travelers: a
20-year review. Travel Medicine. Steffen R, Lobel HO, Haworth J,
Bradley DJ, eds. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1989:384-8.
- McGovern TW,
William W, Fitzpatrick JE, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of
African trypanosomiasis. Arch Dermatol 1995;131:1178-82.
This fact sheet is for
information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a
substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any
questions about the disease described above or think that you may have a
parasitic infection, consult a health care provider. |
