How can I get East African trypanosomiasis?
Through the bite of an infected tsetse fly, found only in Africa. Is East African trypanosomiasis a serious illness? Yes. If untreated, death will occur within several weeks to months. What are the symptoms of East African trypanosomiasis? A bite by the tsetse fly is often painful and can develop into a red sore, also called a chancre (SHAN-ker). Fever, severe headaches, irritability, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and aching muscles and joints are common symptoms of sleeping sickness. Some people get a skin rash. Progressive confusion, personality changes, slurred speech, seizures, and difficulty in walking and talking occur when infection has invaded the central nervous system. If left untreated, infection becomes worse and death will occur within several weeks or months. How soon will I have symptoms of East African trypanosomiasis? Symptoms occur within 1-4 weeks of infection. Can I take a medication to prevent East African trypanosomiasis? No. Neither a vaccine nor recommen
