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A case of African trypanosomiasis in a returning traveller has been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The case is a 64-year-old woman who spent three weeks on safari in Mana Pools National Park in Northern Zimbabwe in September 2012. On return to the US the woman developed a fever and myalgia, was admitted to hopital where Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense were identified on a blood smear. The patient is receiving hospital treatment but remains in a critical condition.
Advice for Travellers
African trypanosomiasis is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. Travellers to endemic areas should be aware of the risk and avoid contact with tsetse flies if possible. Avoiding bites is very difficult as tsetse flies can bite through clothing. Tsetse flies are repelled by permethrin and soaking clothes is recommended. They are not repelled by currently available DEET insect repellent products.
