African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

African trypanosomiasis, or the sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease that can be found in humans and animals that is caused by the protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei and which is transmitted by the tsetse fly. This disease is endemic in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa spreading across 36 countries and possibly affecting up to 60 million people. An estimated 50,000-70,000 people are currently infected. It has been believed by many that various cases go unreported. This "sickness" has claimed 48,000 lives in 2008.




The symptoms of the sleeping sickness occur in two stages. The haemolymphatic phase is categorized by fever, headaches, joint pains, itching, and swelling of the lymph nodes. The second phase is the neurological phase. The parasite invades the central nervous system by passing the blood-brain barrier. Confusion, reduced coordination, disruption of the sleep cycle causing daytime slumber and night-time insomnia are common symptoms in this phase. If this disease is not treated, then it can be fatal. The damage is irreversible when in the neurological phase.

Tsetse Fly