There are two types of African trypanosomiasis, also called sleeping sickness, named for the areas in Africa in which they are found. In the United States, twenty-one cases of East African trypanosomiasis in travelers to Africa have been reported since 1967. Through the bite of an infected tsetse fly, found only in Africa. If untreated, death will occur within several weeks to months. 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. Symptoms occur within 1-4 weeks of infection. Neither a vaccine nor recommended drug is available to prevent East African trypanosomiasis. See your health care provider who will order several tests for the parasite.