Tsetse Fly and African Sleeping Sickness — What Beginners Should Know
Tsetse Fly and African Sleeping Sickness (Beginner’s Guide)
African sleeping sickness, or trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic disease spread by the tsetse fly. It begins with fever, headaches, and fatigue but can lead to confusion, coma, and death if left untreated. The disease is found only in Africa’s rural areas.
What Is the Tsetse Fly?
The tsetse fly is an insect found only in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan regions. Unlike regular houseflies, tsetse flies feed on blood and can carry Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness.
Two Types of African Sleeping Sickness
- East African sleeping sickness — caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, mainly found in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. It progresses quickly and can become severe within weeks.
- West African sleeping sickness — caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, found in Central and West Africa (like DRC and Angola). It progresses slowly, sometimes taking years before serious symptoms appear.
Symptoms to Know
Early symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. As the parasite invades the brain, people experience confusion, sleep disturbances (why it’s called “sleeping sickness”), and eventually coma if untreated.
Life Cycle — How the Parasite Spreads
When a tsetse fly bites a human or animal, it injects parasites called metacyclic trypomastigotes into the blood. The parasites multiply, travel through the bloodstream, and can reach the brain. If another tsetse fly bites an infected host, it picks up the parasite and spreads it to the next person or animal.
Preventing African Sleeping Sickness
- Wear neutral-colored clothing (tsetse flies are attracted to bright and dark colors).
- Use insect repellent and sleep under protective nets if traveling in rural Africa.
- Support local wildlife management — since tsetse flies thrive where humans and animals live close together.
Explore More African Wildlife and Nature
- Facts About African Wild Pigs
- 30 Fascinating Zebra Facts
- Africa Game Hunting and Conservation
- Acacia Trees — Africa’s Coolest Tree
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are tsetse flies found?
Tsetse flies live in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in rural savannah and river areas.
Can African sleeping sickness be cured?
Yes. If caught early, medication can cure the disease. Untreated cases are often fatal.
Are both types of sleeping sickness deadly?
Yes, both East and West African sleeping sickness can cause death if not treated.
How fast does the disease progress?
East African sleeping sickness is fast-acting (weeks), while West African can take months or years to reach the brain.
