Sleeping sickness


 A peculiar plague between 1901 and 1904 was spreading in Central Africa.  More than hundred thousand people died.  It was called sleeping sickness. It is known as African trypanosomiasis. It is a deadly disease caused by parasites called Trypanosoma brucei, which are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of the tsetse fly. The disease is characterized by a range of symptoms, including fever, headaches, joint pain, and eventually, neurological symptoms such as confusion, sleep disturbances, and profound lethargy. This is why it is called "sleeping sickness" because it causes extreme sleepiness and altered sleep patterns in its advanced stages.

The control of the tsetse fly population significantly reduced the transmission of the disease, leading to a decline in the number of cases. Over time, with continued efforts to control the fly population and advancements in healthcare and treatment options, sleeping sickness became less of a threat in many affected regions. However, it's worth noting that sleeping sickness remains a concern in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and ongoing efforts are needed to monitor and control the disease.

The story of controlling sleeping sickness by targeting the tsetse fly is an example of how public health measures, scientific research, and government intervention can successfully combat deadly diseases and protect the health of communities.

Sometimes our sins may not seem to be painful or disturbing, but at the same time it has got the power to destroy and kill us.  Let us all be careful to live a holy life.

 

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