There have been several cases of East African sleeping sickness among travelers returning from safari areas in Zambia and Zimbabwe (see map).
Regions highlighted within Zambia and Zimbabwe depicting the approximate risk area for the disease.
African trypanosomiasis, also called sleeping sickness, is endemic in many Subsaharan countries. It is transmitted by Tsetse flies. These flies are mainly attracted by bright, dark (especially blue) colours. They inhabit rural areas, including forests and savannah areas, and areas of thick vegetation along rivers and waterholes, depending on the fly species. Tsetse flies bite during the day, <1% are infected. Risk for infection in travelers increases with the number of fly bites, which does not always correlate with duration of travel. People most likely to be exposed to African trypanosomiasis infection are hunters and villagers with infected cattle herds. Tourists and other people working in or visiting game parks are at risk for contracting African trypanosomiasis if they spend long periods in rural areas where the disease is present. Travelers to urban areas are at minimal risk, although transmission has been observed in some urban settings in the past.
All travellers should be informed that sleeping sickness is endemic in Africa. Tsetse flies, the carriers of sleeping sickness, are mainly attracted by bright, dark (especially blue) colours. To prevention sleeping sickness, travelers should:
- Wear well-covering, light-coloured clothing impregnated with permethrin. In addition, use repellents to also protect against mosquitoes.
- Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering. Tsetse flies are yellow to dark brown in color, about the size of a housefly, and hold their wings over their back when at rest.
- Pay attention to posted signs warning about tsetse flies or fly spraying in the area.
- Avoid areas where black or blue tsetse fly traps are present.
In case of a suspicious skin lesion, immediately consult a doctor as a rapid therapy as well as a supportive therapy must be initiated as soon as possible.