West African Trypanosomiasis
(tri-PAN-o-SO-my-a-sis)
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What is African trypanosomiasis?
There are two types
of African trypanosomiasis (also called sleeping sickness); each named
for the region of Africa in which it is found. Individuals
can become infected with West African trypanosomiasis if they receive a bite
from an infected tsetse fly, found only in Africa.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) carried by the tsetse fly. Worldwide, approximately
40,000 new cases of both East and West African trypanosomiasis are reported to
the World Health Organization each year. However, the majority of cases are not
reported due to a lack of infrastructure and it is likely that there are more
than 100,000 new cases annually. Few cases of West African trypanosomiasis have
been reported in the United States.
How can I get West African trypanosomiasis?
An individual gets West
African trypanosomiasis through the bite of an infected tsetse fly,
found only in Africa. On
rare occasions, a pregnant woman may pass the infection to her baby,
or an individual may become
infected through a blood transfusion or organ transplant.
Is West African trypanosomiasis
a serious illness?
Yes. West
African trypanosomiasis is fatal if it is not treated.
Where can I contract West African
trypanosomiasis?
West African trypanosomiasis
can be contracted in parts of Western and Central Africa. The tsetse fly
lives only in Africa; areas where infection is spread
are largely determined by where the infected tsetse fly is found.
What are the symptoms of West African trypanosomiasis?
A bite by the tsetse
fly is often painful. Occasionally, within 1 to 2 weeks, the infective
bite develops into a red sore, also called a chancre (SHAN-ker). 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. Progressive confusion, personality changes,
slurred speech, irritability, loss of concentration, seizures, and difficulty
in walking and talking occurs when infection has invaded the central nervous
system. These symptoms become worse as the 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 getting an infected tsetse fly bite.
What should I do if I think
I have African trypanosomiasis?
If you suspect that you
may have West 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.
Is
treatment available for West African trypanosomiasis?
Medication for the treatment
of West African trypanosomiasis is available. Hospitalized treatment of
West African trypanosomiasis should begin as soon as possible and is based
on the infected person’s symptoms and laboratory results. Hospitalization
for treatment is necessary. Periodic follow-up exams that include a spinal
tap are required for 2 years.
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.
Can I take medication to prevent
West African trypanosomiasis?
There is neither a vaccine
nor recommended drug available to prevent West African trypanosomiasis.
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.
- Use bed netting when sleeping.
- Inspect vehicles for tsetse
flies before entering.
- Do not 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:
- McGovern TW, William W, Fitzpatrick JE, et al. Cutaneous
manifestations of African trypanosomiasis. Arch Dermatol 1995;131:1178-82.
- 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.
See also East African trypanosomiasis, and American trypanosomiasis (also known as chagas disease)
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.
Revised Summer 2004
West
African Trypanosomiasis
West
African Trypanosomiasis
African
Trypanosomiasis
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