Rarely infections result from blood transfusion, transplacental spread or a contaminated needle scratch. Symptoms typically begin within a few weeks of exposure and include fever, headache, malaise, arthralgias and weight loss. A skin lesion at the site of the fly bite may occur. Neurologic symptoms begin months or years after infection and include disorders of consciousness and sleep patterns, motor and sensory disorders and changes in personality. The heart can also be affected.
Diagnosis relies on identifying the parasite in blood or other tissues.
Treatment of Sleeping Sickness is complicated by increasing resistance to standard medications as well as the high cost or new agents. Treatment is potentially toxic and experts should be consulted. Travelers affected have typically been on safaris. Highway To Health, Inc.