African Sleeping Sickness

Pronunciation: /AF-ri-kan SLEEP-ing SICK-ness/

Category: Disease

Singular: African Sleeping Sickness

Plural: African Sleeping Sickness

Definition

A disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma, transmitted by tsetse flies. It affects humans and animals, causing fever, headaches, fatigue, and neurological complications.

Etymology

Named after the characteristic sleep disturbances associated with the disease.

Example

African sleeping sickness is a serious threat to public health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Synonyms

African Trypanosomiasis

Related Terms

Trypanosoma
Tsetse Fly
Nagana

Usage Notes

African sleeping sickness is also known as African Trypanosomiasis. The disease can be fatal if left untreated.