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What Bug Causes African Sleeping Sickness?
Sleeping sickness is infection with germs carried by certain flies. It results in swelling of the brain.
Alternative Names
African trypanosomiasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Sleeping sickness is caused by two germs, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosomoa brucei gambiense. The more severe form of the illness is caused by T. rhodesiense.
Tsetse flies carry the infection. When an infected fly bites you, the infection spreads through your blood.
Risk factors include living in...
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From Our Sources
Sleeping sickness
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
African trypanosomiasisTreatmentMedications used to treat this disorder include:Eflornithine (for T. gambiense only)MelarsoprolPentamidineSuramin... Read more »
Sleeping sickness
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
African trypanosomiasisPreventionPentamidine injections protect against T. gambiense, but not against T. rhodesiense. Because it is a toxic drug,... Read more »
Sleeping sickness
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
African trypanosomiasisSymptomsGeneral symptoms include:AnxietyDrowsiness during the dayFeverHeadacheInsomnia at nightMood changesSleepiness (may be... Read more »
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Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
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