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.
