African trypanosomiasis primary prevention

African trypanosomiasis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating African trypanosomiasis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT Scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
African trypanosomiasis primary prevention On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of African trypanosomiasis primary prevention All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on African trypanosomiasis primary prevention
CDC on African trypanosomiasis primary prevention
African trypanosomiasis primary prevention in the news
Blogs on African trypanosomiasis primary prevention
Directions to Hospitals Treating African trypanosomiasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for African trypanosomiasis primary prevention

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] Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [3]

Overview

Prevention and control focus on the eradication of the parasitic host, the tsetse fly. Methods of primary prevention of African trypanosomiasis include use of insecticides to control the vector, use of new construction compounds in building walls and roofs, and organ/blood testing prior to donation. 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

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 repellent. Though insect repellents 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.