Trypanosomiasis facts for kids
Trypanosomiasis is a group of diseases caused by tiny living things called parasites. These parasites belong to a special group called Tryposoma. They can make both humans and animals sick.
There are two main types of trypanosomiasis that affect people:
Contents
Understanding Human Trypanosomiasis
What is African Sleeping Sickness?
African trypanosomiasis is also known as Sleeping sickness. It is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma brucei. This disease is spread when a person is bitten by an infected Tsetse fly. These flies are found in parts of Africa.
What is Chagas Disease?
American trypanosomiasis is also called Chagas disease. It is caused by a different parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease spreads through the bite of certain blood-sucking bugs. These bugs are part of the Triatominae family and are found in the Americas.
Trypanosomiasis in Animals
Trypanosomiasis can also affect many different animals. These diseases are similar to the ones that affect humans but are specific to animals.
Nagana: African Animal Trypanosomiasis
Nagana is a disease that affects animals in Africa. It is often called Animal African trypanosomiasis. It is like the sleeping sickness that affects humans, but it makes animals sick instead.
Other Animal Diseases
Other types of trypanosomiasis in animals include Surra. There is also Covering sickness or douring, which mainly affects horses. These diseases can cause serious health problems for livestock and other animals.
Images for kids
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Chagas endemic zones (in red)
