The human trypanosomiasis situation in Gambella, south western Ethiopia

Abstract

Surveillance of human trypanosomiasis was carried out in Gambella, an endemic region of South Western Ethiopia. The study was conducted in March 1993, October 1993 and April 1994 with the major objective of investigation of the sleeping sickness infection and its vector status in the area. In the present survey no parasitologically confirmed case was detected. The main vectors of the disease, Glossina pallidipes and G. tachinoides in wooded savanna and forest area and G. fuscipes in riverain vegetation, were commonly encountered. Eventhough there were no parasitologically proven cases of sleeping sickness infection due to prolonged combined effect of ecological, climatic and human interference, the presence of potential vectors, Glossina species specially along the major river banks, ecological rehabilitation of the area to its previous conditions and the invasion of the game animals might give way to the reappearance of the parasite, T. b. rhodesiense. Thus, regular active surveillance of the endemic region is of great importance to control the disease at an early stage before the appearance of epidemics which could be more costly financially as well as in human life. Specific ecological requirements and feeding habits of Glossina species, specially of G. morsitans, which was not found in this survey, need further investigation. A comprehensive study on community awareness about sleeping sickness and its vector is also recommended to support future control measures.