African Sleeping Sickness - Medtick
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African Sleeping Sickness

What is it?

Infection by the Tesetse flies and cause swelling of brain encephalitis mainly in Africa.

Countries  affected are:

Africa

  • Botswana
  • Zambia

Cause

  • Parasite:
    • Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (more severe)
    • Trypanosoma brucei gambiense

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Hot, red and swelling at bite area?
  • Enlarged glands all over body?
  • Swollen lymph glands and/or reoccurring mouth ulcers?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
  • Fear, mood swings, anxiety, irritated and aggressive?
  • Drowsiness during the day, uncontrollable urges to sleep?
  • Lack of sleep at night?
  • Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
  • Swollen or sticky eye or sensitive to light?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Detailed Information

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