Sleeping Sickness

What is African sleeping sickness?

Imagine you or a loved one suddenly feeling extremely tired during the day, unable to focus, and eventually struggling with memory loss and confusion. This could be more than just stress or lack of sleep, it could be African sleeping sickness (also called human African trypanosomiasis, HAT).

This disease, spread by the bite of the tsetse fly, is still a major health issue in some parts of west, central, and east Africa, especially in rural areas where medical care is limited. In 1998, there were over 30,000 cases worldwide, but thanks to awareness and treatment efforts, this number dropped to about 700 in 2020. However, the disease still poses a risk, especially in places where tsetse flies are common.

What causes African sleeping sickness?

African sleeping sickness is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma brucei, which enters the human body through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The parasite first attacks the blood, lymph nodes, and tissues. If not treated in time, it moves into the brain and central nervous system, leading to serious health problems, including coma and death.

How common is African sleeping sickness in Africa?

  • The disease mostly affects people in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, South Sudan, and Uganda.
  • There are two main types of the disease:
  • West African sleeping sickness (caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense): More common (97% of cases) and develops slowly over months or years.
  • East African sleeping sickness (caused by Trypanosoma bruceirhodesiense): Less common but more severe, progressing in just a few weeks.
  • Since 2012, efforts by the world health organization (WHO) have reduced cases significantly, but continued vigilance is needed.

Symptoms of African sleeping sickness?

The disease progresses in two stages:

Stage 1: Early symptoms (before the parasite reaches the brain)

These symptoms appear a few days to weeks after the bite:

  • Skin ulcer at the bite site
  • High fever and chills
  • Severe headaches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Itchy skin
  • Unexplained weight loss

Stage 2: Advanced symptoms (when the parasite reaches the brain) If untreated, the parasite moves to the brain, causing:

  • Sleep problems (insomnia or excessive sleepiness during the day)
  • Confusion and memory loss
  • Loss of balance and coordination
  • Behavioral changes (aggression, hallucinations)
  • Seizures
  • Coma, leading to death if untreated

How does African sleeping sickness spread?

  • Tsetse fly bites: The main way the disease spreads is when an infected tsetse fly bites a person.
  • Mother-to-child transmission: A pregnant woman with the disease can pass it to her unborn baby.
  • Sexual transmission: Rare but possible.
  • Blood transfusions: If infected blood is used, the parasite can spread.

How is African sleeping sickness treated?

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease:

  • Early stage: Easier to treat with medicines like Pentamidine (for West African type) and Suramin (for East African type).
  • Advanced stage: Requires stronger medications like Melarsoprol or Eflornithine, which are more toxic and difficult to administer.

How can you prevent African sleeping sickness?

Avoid tsetse fly bites:

Wear long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors (flies are attracted to bright colors).

Use insect repellent on exposed skin.

Avoid bushy areas where tsetse flies rest.

Early diagnosis and treatment: If you experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Community efforts:

Governments and health organizations must spray insecticides in high-risk areas.

Raising awareness can help people seek treatment early.