Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in a Nigerian male adolescent and the treatment challenges: A case report

Abstract

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) or "Sleeping Sickness" is a potentially fatal but curable, neglected tropical diseaseseen in sub-Saharan Africa. HAT was nearly eliminated in the 1960s, but has re-emerged in epidemic proportions over the pasttwo decades. We report a case of HAT in order to highlight a possible re-emergence of this rare tropical disease, as well as itstreatment challenges. A.C is a 14-year-old male patient who presented with clinical features suggestive of the chronic form ofthe disease. Despite the prescription of IV Eflornithine, the drug could not be procured. Unfortunately, the patient was lost tofollow-up. This treatment gap underscores the need for emphasis on preventive measures such as eradication of tsetse flies, andreduction of the spread of parasites especially in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa.