Sleeping sickness, or Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), is a life-threatening disease that has long plagued sub-Saharan Africa. Caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of the tsetse fly, it has affected hundreds of thousands of people, particularly in rural and forested regions.
Sleeping Sickness: what it is and how it can be defeated
Sleeping Sickness —also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis— is a life-threatening disease caused by Trypanosoma parasites. There are two types of the disease: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (responsible for most cases in West and Central Africa, with a slow progression) and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (found in East and Southern Africa, with a faster progression and more acute symptoms).
Both forms are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which typically breeds in rural, riverine or wooded environments. The disease is targeted for elimination as a public health problem, with the WHO and partners leading integrated campaigns that combine surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and vector control.
Symptoms, transmission and diagnosis
Sleeping sickness occurs in two stages:
- Early (hemolymphatic) stage. Symptoms include fever, headaches, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are often mistaken for malaria or other common infections.
- Late (neurological) stage. The parasite crosses into the central nervous system, causing confusion, personality changes, sleep cycle disturbances, seizures, and eventually coma or death if left untreated.
Diagnosis requires microscopic examination of blood or lymph samples. In the late stage, a lumbar puncture is performed to detect the parasite in spinal fluid. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to effective treatment.
Treatment, prevention and control efforts
Treatment depends on the stage and type of the disease. For Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, a new oral drug called fexinidazole is now available, simplifying treatment. For the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense type, treatment is more complex and often requires hospitalization.
Preventing infection relies on controlling the tsetse fly population through traps, insecticide-treated screens and clearing of fly habitats. Personal protection —such as wearing long clothing and using repellents— is also a great help.
Impact on African communities
Thanks to decades of international cooperation, the number of cases has dropped dramatically from over 30.000 cases in 1999 to fewer than 1.000 in recent years. Yet, the disease remains a concern in some remote or unstable regions, where surveillance is difficult and access to health care is limited. Sleeping Sickness is both preventable and treatable and elimination is within reach, but it requires sustained vigilance and support.
Ongoing solutions, research and future outlook
Global initiatives led by the WHO, national health ministries and partners like DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative) have made remarkable progress. Continued success depends on:
- Sustained funding for surveillance and control.
- Community-based health education and early detection.
- Research into simpler, safer, and more accessible treatments.
- Strong health systems to prevent re-emergence.
Sleeping Sickness is no longer the widespread killer it once was… but the final push toward elimination requires commitment, innovation and collaboration. With continued action, a future free from sleeping sickness in Africa is within reach. Help us helping rural and isolated communities; they remain at risk. Don’t forget the goal is closer than ever.
