West 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. West African trypanosomiasis,
also called Gambian sleeping sickness, is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma
brucei gambiense (tri-PAN-o-SO-ma brew-see-eye gam-be-ense).
Worldwide, 20,000 new cases of both East and West African
trypanosomiasis are reported each year. Few cases of West African
trypanosomiasis have been reported in the United States.
How can I get West African
trypanosomiasis?
- Through the bite
of an infected tsetse fly, found only in Africa.
Rarely:
- If you are
infected and pregnant, you may pass infection to your baby.
- Through blood
transfusion or by organ transplant.
Is West African
trypanosomiasis a serious illness?
Yes. If left
untreated, death will occur.
What are the symptoms of West
African trypanosomiasis?
A bite by the tsetse
fly is often painful. Occasionally, 1-2 weeks after the tsetse fly bite,
a red sore, also called a chancre (SHAN-ker) appears at the site of the
infective bite. Several weeks to months later, other symptoms of
sleeping sickness occur. These include fever, rash, swelling around the
eye and hands, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, aching muscles and
joints. You may develop swollen lymph nodes on the back of your neck
called Winterbottom's sign. Weight loss occurs as the illness
progresses. Personality changes, irritability, loss of concentration,
progressive confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and difficulty in
walking and talking occurs when infection has invaded the central
nervous system. These symptoms become worse as illness progresses.
Sleeping for long periods of the day and having insomnia at night is a
common symptom. If left untreated, infection becomes worse and death
will occur within several months to years after infection.
How soon after infection will
I have symptoms of West African trypanosomiasis?
Symptoms occur within
months to years after infection.
Can I take medication to
prevent West African trypanosomiasis?
There is neither a
vaccine nor recommended drug available to prevent West African
trypanosomiasis.
What should I do if I think I
have African trypanosomiasis?
See your health care
provider who will order several tests to look for the parasite. Common
tests include blood samples and a spinal tap. Your physician may also
take a sample of fluid from swollen lymph nodes.
What is the treatment for
West 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 West
African trypanosomiasis is available. Hospitalization for treatment is
necessary and periodic follow-up exams that include a spinal tap are
required for 2 years.
Where can I contract West
African trypanosomiasis?
West African
trypanosomiasis can be contracted in parts of Western and Central
Africa; see the map for areas where illness can be found. The tsetse fly
lives only in Africa; areas where infection is spread are largely
determined by where the infected tsetse fly is found.
Who is at risk for
contracting West African trypanosomiasis?
Tsetse flies can be
found in Western and Central African forests, in areas of thick
shrubbery and trees by rivers and waterholes. Risk of infection
increases with the number of times a person is bitten by the tsetse fly.
Therefore, tourists are not at great risk for contracting West African
trypanosomiasis unless they are traveling and spending long periods of
time in rural areas of Western and Central Africa.
How can I prevent African
trypanosomiasis and 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 bright colors
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 will 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.
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