The World Health Organisation (WHO) is warning of a deadly disease, known as “sleeping sickness” that can result in death
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about a lethal disease known as “sleeping sickness” that can be fatal without treatment.
The disease, formally known as Human African trypanosomiasis or HAT, is transmitted to humans through the bite of tsetse flies infected with specific parasites. These flies are typically found in sub-Saharan Africa – regions of the continent south of the Sahara desert – but travellers to these areas could be “at risk” of infection. Those most at risk are individuals living in rural areas, especially those engaged in agriculture, fishing or hunting. Currently, there is no vaccine or preventative medicine for HAT, making travellers who spend a lot of time outdoors or in game parks when visiting the area vulnerable. Sleeping sickness gets its name from one of its common symptoms, which is disturbed sleep or a broken sleep pattern.
However, an individual could be infected for months or even years without showing any signs. When symptoms do appear, it could indicate that the disease is advanced and the central nervous system is already severely affected. There are two types of sleeping sickness, named after the area they originate from: East African Trypanosomiasis and West African Trypanosomiasis. In both cases, the person might notice a “painful” bite from the tsetse fly, which will “occasionally” create a red sore, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports the Express. The symptoms of East African Trypanosomiasis that follow, often weeks later, can include:.
- Fever
- Severe headaches
- Irritability
- Extreme fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Aching muscles and joints.
“Some” people also develop a skin rash. If the infection has invaded the central nervous system the person might experience progressive confusion, personality changes, and other neurologic problems. Regarding both conditions, the CDC warns: “If left untreated, infection becomes worse and death will occur within months.” Should you notice symptoms and suspect HAT, the CDC advises prompt medical consultation. Diagnosis may involve blood examinations, a spinal tap, or tissue biopsy. For those journeying to regions where these diseases are found, the CDC suggests several precautions.
It advocates that travellers should:
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants – The tsetse fly can bite through thin fabrics, so clothing should be made of medium-weight material
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing – The tsetse fly is attracted to bright colours and very dark colours
- Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering – The tsetse fly is attracted to moving vehicles
- Avoid bushes – The tsetse fly is less active during the hottest period of the day. It rests in bushes but will bite if disturbed
- Use insect repellent – Though insect repellents have not proven effective in preventing tsetse fly bites, they are effective in preventing other insects from biting and causing illness
