What causes African trypanosomiasis?
Parasites – African Trypanosomiasis (also known as Sleeping Sickness) African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness”, is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina species), which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is the African sleeping sickness called?
African trypanosomiasis disease, also called sleeping sickness, is caused by a parasite. People can get this parasite when an infected Tsetse fly bites them. Symptoms include fatigue, high fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If the disease is not treated, it can cause death.
Is African trypanosomiasis curable?
There is no test of cure for African trypanosomiasis. After treatment, patients should be closely followed for 24 months and monitored for relapse.
Why is African trypanosomiasis called sleeping sickness?
African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly. It gets its nickname ‘sleeping sickness’ because symptoms can include a disturbed sleep pattern.
What happens if a tsetse fly bites you?
A bite by the tsetse fly is often painful and can develop into a red sore, also called a chancre. Fever, severe headaches, irritability, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and aching muscles and joints are common symptoms of sleeping sickness. Some people develop a skin rash.
Who is the most common victim of African sleeping sickness?
African trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness or simply sleeping sickness, is an insect-borne parasitic infection of humans and other animals. It is caused by the species Trypanosoma brucei….
| African trypanosomiasis | |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,500 (2015) |
How many people have died from trypanosomiasis?
It is estimated that 50,000 to 500,000 people die from this disease every year.
