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The form of Sleeping sickness that can affect humans is Trypanosomiasis. It is spread by the tsetse fly, so it is a vector borne parasitic disease. Its medical name comes from the fact that it is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Trypanosom, while its common name comes from the fact that, during its second phase, when it crosses neurological barriers, it disturbs the sleep cycle. This results in changes of behaviour, confusion, sensory disturbances and poor coordination. Prior to this phase, other symptoms of the disease include fever, itching, headache and joint pain. Without treatment, it is fatal.

The people of sub-Saharan Africa are those most at risk. Here, lack of medical services is likely to aid the increased spread of the disease.

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12y ago

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