Table of Contents
How dangerous is sleeping sickness?
Sleeping sickness is curable with medication but is fatal if left untreated.
Who is most at risk for African sleeping sickness?
Who is at risk for African sleeping sickness? The only people at risk for African sleeping sickness are those who travel to Africa. That’s where the tsetse fly is found. The parasites that cause the disease are passed on only by the tsetse fly.
Who does sleeping sickness affect the most?
Disease burden Sleeping sickness threatens millions of people in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why is sleeping sickness so deadly?
It is derived from arsenic and has many unwanted side effects. In extreme cases, it has been seen to cause reactive encephalopathy (disorder of the brain) which can be fatal. There has also been a spread of resistance to melarsoprol in trypanosomes found in central Africa.
What’s the cause of sleeping too much?
The most common causes of excessive sleepiness are sleep deprivation and disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Depression and other psychiatric problems, certain medications, and medical conditions affecting the brain and body can cause daytime drowsiness as well.
How many people have died from trypanosomiasis?
When left untreated, the mortality rate of African sleeping sickness is close to 100%. It is estimated that 50,000 to 500,000 people die from this disease every year.
How is trypanosomiasis prevented?
How can I prevent African trypanosomiasis and prevent other insect bites?
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing.
- Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering.
- Avoid bushes.
- Use insect repellant.
Who is at risk for African sleeping sickness?
The only people at risk for African sleeping sickness are those who travel to Africa. That’s where the tsetse fly is found. The parasites that cause the disease are passed on only by the tsetse fly. The tsetse flies live only in rural areas.
Where does the disease sleeping sickness come from?
Sleeping Sickness (or African Trypanosomiasis) is a disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei. These parasites are predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are transmitted to humans by the bite of a tsetse fly (Glossina species) After being bitten by the fly, individuals develop a red sore.
What are the side effects of sleeping sickness?
Complications of Sleeping Sickness or Human African Trypanosomiasis may include: Uncontrollable sleepiness is one of the key symptoms of Sleeping Sickness. A possible complication is injury due to falling asleep while engaging in activities such as driving, operating a machinery, etc.
How long does it take for sleeping sickness to spread?
Sleepiness (may be uncontrollable or excessive, especially with West African Sleeping Sickness); drowsiness during the day In East African Sleeping Sickness, the infection can spread to the central nervous system (CNS) in a span of few weeks; whereas, the West African Sleeping Sickness progresses much slowly.