Transmission, diagnosis, complications
Mar 15, 2010
WHEN an infected tsetse fly bites a person, a painful red swelling occurs. The infection spreads through the blood, causing fever, headache, sweating and swelling of the lymph nodes.
WHEN an infected tsetse fly bites a person, a painful red swelling occurs. The infection spreads through the blood, causing fever, headache, sweating and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Women and children in rural areas are most prone to catching the disease because they engage in field work. “They fetch water and clear bushy fields where the tsetse flies live,†Dr. Jose Ramon, a medical officer with the Neglected Tropical Diseases Department at the World Health Organisation, says.
Accidental infections due to pricks from contaminated needles and mother-to-child infection are other modes of transmission. The trypanosome can also cross the placenta and infect the foetus.
Early diagnosis is possible and must be done early before to avoid complicated, difficult and risky treatment procedures. Without treatment, death may occur within six months.
Other complications include falling asleep while driving and progressive damage to the nervous system.
Dr. Charles Wamboga, who works at the National Sleeping Sickness Control Programme in Koboko, Yumbe and Moyo districts, says they are collaborating with the ministry of agriculture to wipe out the vector in West Nile. Several traps have been laid across the region.
Ramon says WHO will continue supporting the programme nationwide, through the provision of reagents for diagnosis of the disease, drugs for treatment and support for activities like screening people, training health workers and raising awareness.
Compiled by
Frank Mugabi
Women and children in rural areas are most prone to catching the disease because they engage in field work. “They fetch water and clear bushy fields where the tsetse flies live,†Dr. Jose Ramon, a medical officer with the Neglected Tropical Diseases Department at the World Health Organisation, says.
Accidental infections due to pricks from contaminated needles and mother-to-child infection are other modes of transmission. The trypanosome can also cross the placenta and infect the foetus.
Early diagnosis is possible and must be done early before to avoid complicated, difficult and risky treatment procedures. Without treatment, death may occur within six months.
Other complications include falling asleep while driving and progressive damage to the nervous system.
Dr. Charles Wamboga, who works at the National Sleeping Sickness Control Programme in Koboko, Yumbe and Moyo districts, says they are collaborating with the ministry of agriculture to wipe out the vector in West Nile. Several traps have been laid across the region.
Ramon says WHO will continue supporting the programme nationwide, through the provision of reagents for diagnosis of the disease, drugs for treatment and support for activities like screening people, training health workers and raising awareness.
Compiled by
Frank Mugabi