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[African trypanosomiasis--a rare imported disease].
Bjørn Myrvang1, Bent von der Lippe
1Infeksjonsmedisinsk avdeling Ullevål universitetssykehus 0407 Oslo. bjorn.myrvang@ulleval.no
Summary
African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a concern for travelers to Tanzania. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with available medication are crucial for successful outcomes in imported cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse flies.
- Increased international travel to endemic regions like Tanzania raises the risk of disease importation to non-endemic countries.
Observation:
- Nine cases of African trypanosomiasis were reported among European tourists in Serengeti Park, Tanzania.
- A 26-year-old Norwegian woman presented with symptoms including fever, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and pathological liver values after a tsetse fly bite.
Findings:
- Trypanosoma parasites were detected in the patient's blood, confirming the diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis.
- The patient, with no central nervous system involvement, was successfully treated with suramin after being transported to Oslo.
Implications:
- The availability of essential drugs like suramin in endemic areas is critical for timely treatment of African trypanosomiasis.
- Enhanced surveillance and accessible treatment are necessary to manage the potential increase in imported cases due to tourism.