Symptoms Of African Trypanosomiasis

Extreme Fatigue

Extreme fatigue is common to both forms of African trypanosomiasis. In the case of the East African type, fatigue occurs within weeks of infection, while it takes months or years to develop in the West African variety. The disease disturbs the natural sleeping and waking cycle. Patients will often want to sleep for long periods during the day, and they may then have insomnia at night. This disturbance in circadian rhythm leads to extreme fatigue. The fatigue may be accompanied by weight loss. If African trypanosomiasis is left untreated and progresses to its final stages, it can lead to coma, and this characteristic is why it has been named 'sleeping sickness.'

African trypanosomiasis has even more symptoms typically displayed in patients. Learn about them by reading more now.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are present in both types of African trypanosomiasis and occur during the first stage of the illness. The lymph nodes located at the back of the neck, known as the posterior cervical and supraclavicular nodes, are the most common site for swelling in the West African type of the condition. Swelling at these locations is referred to as the 'Winterbottom sign.' In the East African form of sleeping sickness, enlarged lymph nodes are most common at the elbow and in the armpit; these nodes are known as the epitrochlear nodes. Facial swelling can also occur, and an enlarged spleen may sometimes accompany this. Taking a sample of fluid from some of the swollen lymph nodes can aid in diagnosis.

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