Facts On Infection & Risk Factors For African Trypanosomiasis

How Infection Is Transmitted

Individuals can become infected with African trypanosomiasis in a few ways, but it's mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The infection can be transmitted from mother to child while the baby is in utero. The trypanosome parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Accidental transmissions from handling contaminated blood in a laboratory have occurred but are uncommon. Transmission of the parasite is also possible through sexual contact or a blood transfusion. There is some evidence of other types of flies or other blood-sucking insects playing a role in transmission, but these modes are difficult to assess. The communities that are most at risk usually have limited access to health care and education about how infection is transmitted. As a result, many cases go undiagnosed. African trypanosomiasis can develop in a single village or an entire region, with varying levels of intensity. War, poverty, and displacement of populations are other factors that facilitate transmission.

Learn about the spread and extent of cases of African trypanosomiasis next.