Sleeping sickness in African wildlife parks

Source: USA Centres for Disease Control & Prevention

African sleeping sickness (Trypanosomiasis) has been diagnosed recently in European travellers who visited game parks, wildlife reserves and national parks in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Travellers to cities are not at risk, but tsetse flies are found in woodland and savannah areas. Those touring or hunting in game parks are most likely to be exposed to infected tsetse flies.

Untreated sleeping sickness is fatal, and no vaccine or drug can prevent the disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache and aching muscles, and travellers with these symptoms should obtain medical help immediately.

Protect yourself by wearing medium weight clothing, including long trouser legs and long sleeves – tsetse flies can bite through light fabrics. Clothing may be sprayed with permethrin insect repellent. Wear neutral coloured clothing as the flies are attracted by bright colours.
Check the inside of vehicles as the flies are attracted to moving vehicles.
Steer clear of bushes, where the flies rest during the hottest part of the day, but will bite if disturbed.
Most insect repellents used on the skin are not effective against the tsetse fly, but will protect against other biting insects.

For further advice about insect bite protection, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323

Source: http://www.globetravelhealthcentre.com/travel-advice/sleeping-sickness-in-african-wildlife-parks.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sleeping-sickness-in-african-wildlife-parks

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