African trypanosomiasis primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Pilar Almonacid ; Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Primary Prevention

Prevention and control focus on the eradication of the parasitic host, the tsetse fly. Regular active surveillance, involving case detection and treatment, in addition to tsetse fly control, is the backbone of the strategy for control of sleeping sickness. Two alternative strategies have been used in the attempts to reduce the African trypanosomiases.

• One tactic is primarily medical or veterinary and targets the disease directly using monitoring, prophylaxis, treatment, and surveillance to reduce the number of organisms which carry the disease.
• The second strategy is generally entomological and intends to disrupt the cycle of transmission by reducing the number of flies. For in depth information on prevention of the disease via tsetse fly control see Tsetse fly control

Prevention of Tsetse fly and other Insect bites

• Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants. The tsetse fly can bite through thin fabrics, so clothing should be made of thick material.
• Wear khaki or olive colored clothing. The tsetse fly is attracted to bright colors and very dark colors.
• Use insect repellant. Though insect repellants have not proven effective in preventing tsetse fly bites, they are effective in preventing other insects from biting and causing illness.
• Use bed netting when sleeping.
• Inspect vehicles for tsetse flies before entering.
• Do not ride in the back of jeeps, pickup trucks or other open vehicles. The tsetse fly is attracted to the dust that moving vehicles and wild animals create.
• Avoid bushes. The tsetse fly is less active during the hottest period of the day. It rests in bushes but will bite if disturbed.

Vaccine

• There is neither a vaccine nor recommended drug available to prevent East African trypanosomiasis and West African trypanosomiasis.