Which insect is responsible for spreading sleeping sickness?
Which insect is responsible for spreading sleeping sickness?
There are two types of African trypanosomiasis (also called sleeping sickness); each is named for the region of Africa in which they were found historically. East African trypanosomiasis is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which is carried by the tsetse fly.
How do you identify tsetse flies?
Tsetse flies are distinguished in part by a forward-projecting piercing proboscis on the head that is capable of puncturing skin. They readily feed on the blood of humans, domestic animals, and wild game. Tsetse flies are robust, sparsely bristled insects that usually range from 6 to 16 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inch) in length.
What does a tsetse fly bite look like?
The tsetse fly bite is often painful and can cause red bumps or small red ulcers at the site of the bite. It can also transmit sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) to animals and humans. Trypanosomiasis is generally not found in the United States except in people who have traveled to Africa.
What fly causes African sleeping sickness?
Tsetse flies are found in sub-Saharan Africa. Travelers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks in these areas can be bitten by tsetse flies and get infected.
Which parasite causes African sleeping sickness?
African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness”, is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina species), which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
How do you treat tsetse fly bites?
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a tsetse fly (the bite is painful) and symptoms appear. If untreated, African Trypanosomiasis can lead to a coma and be fatal. Treatment includes taking antiparasitic drugs.
What should you do if a tsetse fly bites you?
Can you survive African sleeping sickness?
Without treatment, sleeping sickness is considered fatal although cases of healthy carriers have been reported.
Do tsetse flies still exist?
Tsetse flies are found just in sub-Saharan Africa though only certain species transmit the disease. For reasons that are so far unexplained, in many regions where tsetse flies are found, sleeping sickness is not.
What do you do if you get bitten by a tsetse fly?
What is African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)?
African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness”, is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly ( Glossina species), which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is the scientific name for sleeping sickness?
Sleeping Sickness. African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness,” is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly ( Glossina species), which is found only in rural Africa. Although the infection is not found in the United States, historically,…
Where does sleeping sickness occur in Africa?
Sleeping sickness is endemic in 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries where there are tsetse flies that transmit the disease. The people most exposed to the tsetse fly and therefore the disease live in rural areas and depend on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry or hunting.
What is the best medication for sleeping sickness in Africa?
Melarsoprol: Melarsoprol is the only medication available to treat East African sleeping sickness in its second stage, but it can treat West African sleeping sickness as well. 24 While effective, melarsoprol is difficult to use and rather toxic. It’s administered intravenously, using a complicated dosing schedule, and side effects can be intense.