Poor Uganda seems to be in the news a lot, recently. First, the Ebola Fever outbreak continues to cause concern and now there are reports of African Trypanosomiasis. This illness, also known as “African Sleeping Sickness” is spread through the bite of a Tse Tse Fly (Glossina Species).
The illness has 2 main types: African and American. The American form is also known as Chagas Disease, but is very different from the African version.
There are 2 main types of African Trypanosomiasis: Trypanosome Brucei Gambiense and Trypanosome Brucei Rhodesiense. T. Gambiense or Western Africa Sleeping Sickness generally has a longer/slower onset of symptoms, over months to years. T. Rhodesiense has an acute or rapid onset of symptoms and is considered much more severe, with a higher fatality rate. Fortunately, the East African form (T. Rhodesiense) is much less common. Both are fatal if not treated. See more about these parasitic diseases at Adventure Doc Trypanosome Page
The Ugandan Region of Mayuge has reported 12 cases for the month of November. Local health officials stated that locals living in the area are at risk due to farming in known Tse Tse fly areas.
The Original article by New Vision can be viewed here: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/17/600571