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The Parasite: Trypanosomiasis is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which is carried by the tsetse fly. Its life cycle begins when a fly takes a blood meal from an animal — generally a cow — that is infected with the parasite. When the fly bites another animal, such as a human, it transfers the parasite to the new host through its saliva. The parasite spreads and multiplies throughout the blood, eventually reaching the nervous system. The cycle continues as tsetse flies make their rounds of ingesting and then transferring the parasite. Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense is found in parts of Eastern and Southeastern African, most commonly Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia.
The Infection: A bite from the tsetse fly often develops into a painful red sore, also called a chancre. Once infected, the host will experience fever, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, aching muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a skin rash. These symptoms usually occur one to three weeks after being bitten by an infected fly. People infected with Trypanosomiasis will often become irritable, progressively confused and may even undergo personality changes. These and other neurologic problems occur once the parasite has invaded the central nervous system.
Treatment: Trypanosomiasis is a very serious infection and, if left untreated, will usually become fatal within a few months. The type and combination of drugs used to combat the infection depends largely on the stage of the infection. During the early stages of infection, pentamidine and suramin are used. Later stage treatments include melarsoprol and eflornithine, but these drugs are quite toxic and complicated to administer. Hospitalization is usually necessary.
Prevention: Travelers to rural woodland and savannah areas are most at risk for this infection. Although there is no vaccine or drug that can prevent Trypanosomiasis, it can be prevented by limiting exposure to tsetse flies. Visitors to high-risk areas should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants made from medium-weight material, as the tsetse fly can bite through thin fabric. The fly is also attracted to bright and dark colors, so neutral colored clothing is ideal. Tsetse flies are also attracted to moving vehicles, so cars should be checked for flies before entering. They are most active at night and rest in bushes during the day, so bushes should generally be avoided.
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Featured in Hijackers, Episode 6 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
When these parasites move in, they take over, literally. Say goodbye to your body. Highlighting African sleeping sickness, Toxocariasis and the brain-eating amoeba.
 Check out African sleeping sickness in action.
See how African sleeping sickness affects the body.
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