Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)
Context:
Recently, the WHO declared Guinea free from the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT).
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
What is Human African Trypanosomiasis?
- It is also known as the sleeping sickness.
- Apparently, it is a parasitic disease that is transmitted from the bite of the infected tsetse flies.
- It is caused by a protozoan parasite called as Β Trypanosoma brucei.
- Symptoms in the initial stages include headache, malaise, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. However, at the later stages, patients often see lymphadenopathy, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and cardiac and ophthalmological issues.
- Currently, there are no vaccines or medicines available to prevent HAT. And, the treatment usually relies on case detection, treatment, and vector control