About this topic
African sleeping sickness is also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis or HAT. This infection may cause problems with your nervous system. You may have problems like swelling of the brain or the tissues around the brain. ‚
HAT has two stages. In the first stage, the germs move through the blood. In the second stage, the germs enter the brain. Then they affect the nervous system. HAT may become deadly if not treated right away. ‚
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What are the causes?
HAT is caused by two germs, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. They are often found in animals like cattle. The germs are passed on to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The flies get the germ by feeding on an infected animal. HAT may also be passed on to others through a blood transfusion. Mothers can pass this illness on to their babies before birth. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- You are at a higher risk for this illness if you live in or travel to Africa.
- Working or living near forests and woodlands
What are the main signs?
Signs for the first stage of this illness include: ‚
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle or body ache
- Joint pains
- Skin rash
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Weakness
- Weight loss
After a few weeks, the infection may reach the brain and spinal cord. Signs may include: ‚
- Mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Uncontrollable sleepiness during daytime
- Awake during nighttime (insomnia)
- Trouble controlling movements and walking
- Paralysis
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may ask about any recent travel. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Blood test
- Lymph node biopsy
- Lumbar puncture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Early treatment is very important. Your care will be based on your signs. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Prevent the spread of infection
- Ease your signs
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Injuries from falling asleep while driving or doing an activity
- Coma
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Protect yourself.
- Use or spray insect repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep insects from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
- Spray insect repellent to get rid of flies around your home.
- People who have this infection should not breast feed. They should also not donate blood.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/sleepingsickness/ ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs259/en/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚