Trypanosomiasis, African Sleeping Sickness
There are two types of African trypanosomiasis (also called sleeping sickness); each named for the region of Africa in which it was found historically. Individuals can become infected with West African trypanosomiasis if they receive a bite from an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in Africa.
West African trypanosomiasis, also called Gambian sleeping sickness, is caused by a a parasite called Trypanosoma brucei gambiense carried by the tsetse fly. The tsetse flies that transmit West African trypanosomiasis are found only in rural areas. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk. The flies bite during daylight hours. They inhabit forests and areas of thick vegetation along rivers and waterholes. Travellers are not at great risk for contracting the disease unless they are travelling and spending long periods of time in rural areas of central Africa where the disease is present. Travellers at risk should take precautions against (tsetse fly) bites.
East African trypanosomiasis is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly infected with the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. The number of tsetse flies that are infected with this parasite is low. The tsetse fly is found only in rural Africa. Tsetse flies are found in woodland and savannah areas and they bite during daylight hours. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk. Persons most likely to be exposed to the infection are tourists, hunters and others working or visiting game parks. Travellers at risk should take precautions against insect (tsetse fly) bites. Insect bite prevention measures include wearing appropriate clothing (long sleeves, long pants, etc...), and applying permethrin spray or solution to clothing and gear. Insect repellents containing-DEET are not effective against tsetse flies.
Risk of Trypanosomiasis, African Sleeping Sickness is present in the following countries:
