How does tsetse fly affect humans?

How does tsetse fly affect humans?

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) feed exclusively on vertebrate blood, and in so doing they can transmit species of trypanosome (Trypanosoma spp.) that cause the diseases of nagana in domestic animals and sleeping sickness in humans [1].

How many people have died from the tsetse fly?

Estimated Number of the Deaths It is estimated that 50,0,000 people die from this disease every year.

What disease can you get from a tsetse fly?

African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) is a disease caused by a parasite. It is passed on by the bite of the infected tsetse fly.

What do tsetse flies cause?

Parasites - African Trypanosomiasis (also known as Sleeping Sickness) African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness”, is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina species), which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why sleeping sickness is called so?

African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly. It gets its nickname 'sleeping sickness' because symptoms can include a disturbed sleep pattern.

Is African trypanosomiasis a virus or bacteria?

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne parasitic disease. It is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Trypanosoma.

What happens when a tsetse fly bites you?

A bite by the tsetse fly is often painful and can develop into a red sore, also called a chancre. Fever, severe headaches, irritability, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and aching muscles and joints are common symptoms of sleeping sickness. Some people develop a skin rash.

What do you do if a tsetse fly bites you?

Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a tsetse fly (the bite is painful) and symptoms appear. If untreated, African Trypanosomiasis can lead to a coma and be fatal. Treatment includes taking antiparasitic drugs.

How do you protect yourself from a tsetse fly?

Prevention & Control

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants of medium-weight material in neutral colors that blend with the background environment. Tsetse flies are attracted to bright or dark colors, and they can bite through lightweight clothing.
2. Inspect vehicles before entering. ...
3. Avoid bushes. ...
4. Use insect repellent.

How do you stop tsetse flies?

Prevention & Control

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants of medium-weight material in neutral colors that blend with the background environment. Tsetse flies are attracted to bright or dark colors, and they can bite through lightweight clothing.
2. Inspect vehicles before entering. ...
3. Avoid bushes. ...
4. Use insect repellent.

What kind of disease can a tsetse fly cause?

• To make matters worse, several species of tsetse fly can transmit diseases. One of the most dangerous is a parasite that causes "sleeping sickness", or "human African trypanosomiasis"to give it its official name. Without treatment, an infection is usually fatal.

How did the tsetse fly affect human settlement?

• Historically, the widespread presence of the tsetse fly inhibited human settlement and agriculture in large areas of sub-Saharan Africa. In the 20th century, efforts to control tsetse flies were implemented with varying degrees of success.

How are tsetse flies distinguished from other insects?

• Tsetse flies are distinguished in part by a forward-projecting piercing proboscis on the head that is capable of puncturing skin. They readily feed on the blood of humans, domestic animals, and wild game. Tsetse fly ( Glossina brevipalpis ). Which of these insects includes a “slave-maker” that bites the head off the resident queen?

What kind of fly transmits sleeping sickness to humans?

• Written By: Tsetse fly, (genus Glossina), also spelled tse-tse, also called tik-tik fly, any of about two to three dozen species of bloodsucking flies in the housefly family, Muscidae (order Diptera), that occur only in Africa and transmit sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) in humans and a similar disease called nagana in domestic animals.