Sleeping Sickness
- Pronunciation
- /SLEEP-ing SIK-ness/
- Category
- Disease
- Singular
- Sleeping Sickness
- Plural
- Sleeping Sickness
Definition
A disease caused by the protozoan parasite *Trypanosoma brucei*, transmitted by tsetse flies, characterized by fever, headache, swelling of lymph nodes, joint pain, and neurological complications.
Etymology
From the characteristic sleep disturbances associated with the disease.
Example
Sleeping sickness is a serious threat to human health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Related Terms
- Trypanosoma brucei
- Tsetse flies
- African trypanosomiasis
Usage Notes
Sleeping sickness can be fatal if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiparasitic drugs are essential.