The public is being alerted to the dangers of a lesser-known yet potentially deadly illness known as human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), often referred to as “sleeping sickness” due to its disruptive impact on sleep patterns. It’s spread through the bites of infected tsetse flies, which only become carriers after feeding on humans or animals with trypanosoma parasites.
Key symptoms to watch for include fatigue, high fever, headaches, and muscle aches—common ailments that could be misconstrued as less serious issues. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), you’re at greater risk if you’re travelling to sub-Saharan Africa, where these particular flies are found.
The WHO has stated: “Tsetse flies inhabit sub-Saharan Africa and only certain species transmit the disease. Rural populations which depend on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry or hunting are the most exposed.”
Likewise, travellers involved in extensive outdoor activities or visiting game parks in this region have an increased chance of infection, as noted by The Mirror. Currently, no vaccine or prophylactic drug exists for African trypanosomiasis.
Symptoms to spot
The initial symptoms are fatigue, high fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If not addressed, sleeping sickness can cause fatalities.
In advanced stages, the disease may provoke behavioural changes, confusion, sensory disruptions and coordination problems. Leading to its namesake, a disturbed sleep cycle is one of the significant symptoms emphasised by the WHO.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) takes two forms, depending on the subspecies of the parasite. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, found in 24 countries across west and central Africa, accounts for 92 percent of reported cases and causes a chronic illness.
This form can infect a person for months or even years without showing major signs or symptoms. By the time evident symptoms emerge, the disease is often advanced, with the central nervous system already affected, making it a silent killer.
The other form, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, found in 13 countries of eastern and southern Africa, accounts for eight percent of reported cases and causes an acute disease. Symptoms of this form emerge a few weeks or months after infection, and the disease develops quickly, often invading other organs including the brain.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the form of the disease and its stage. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
Pentamidine is one of the most common drugs used to treat first-stage T. B. gambiense infection. Other drugs include suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, and nifurtimox when used in combination with eflornithine.
After treatment, patients should be closely monitored for 24 months for any signs of relapse, as parasites may remain viable and reproduce the disease many months afterwards.
However, there are hopes that a new experimental drug could help eradicate the disease. Known as acoziborole, this drug is taken by mouth in just a single dose.
It is being trialled across the DRC and Guinea. According to Science News, following a small trial carried out last year, the drug was found to be safe and effective.
The results of a larger trial, which is currently being carried out, are expected by the end of this year.