[African sleeping sickness in Switzerland (trypanosomiasis rhodesiensis)]

The fatal course of a case of African trypanosomiasis in Switzerland is reported. The feeling of sickness after an African trip is a diagnostic pointer. An infected fly bite and enlargement of lymphatic nodes or even symptoms of involvement of the central nervous system increase the suspicion. The diagnosis may be established simply by microscopic examination of a blood film. Because of the possibility of severe complications due to the sickness itself or due to toxicity of specific drugs, patients should be treated in hospital. Immediate contact with an Institute for tropical diseases seems to be advisable in every case.