African sleeping sickness – Definition & Meaning

African sleeping sickness is a disease that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted through the bite of the tsetse fly. The disease is also known as African trypanosomiasis, and it is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.

Definitions

African sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease that affects the nervous system of humans and animals. It is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted through the bite of the tsetse fly. The disease is characterized by fever, headaches, joint pains, and eventually, sleep disturbances.

Origin

African sleeping sickness has been prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa for centuries. The disease was first described in the 14th century by Arab travelers who observed the symptoms in local populations. The disease was known by different names in different regions, such as “nzoka” in Congo and “kala-azar” in Sudan.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The term African sleeping sickness is defined differently in various dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, it is “a serious disease of humans and domestic animals in parts of Africa that is caused by trypanosomes transmitted by the tsetse fly and is marked by fever, headache, and progressive lethargy ending in coma and death if untreated.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, transmitted by the tsetse fly and characterized by fever, headaches, and lethargy.”

Associations

African sleeping sickness is associated with poverty, as it primarily affects people in rural areas who live in close proximity to tsetse fly habitats. The disease is also associated with low levels of healthcare infrastructure and lack of access to effective treatments.

Synonyms

The synonyms of African sleeping sickness include African trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness, and trypanosomiasis.

Antonyms

There are no antonyms for African sleeping sickness.

The same root words

The same root words of African sleeping sickness include “Africa,” “sleeping,” and “sickness.”

Example Sentences

1. African sleeping sickness is a serious disease that affects millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. The symptoms of African sleeping sickness include fever, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
3. The tsetse fly is the primary vector of African sleeping sickness.
4. African sleeping sickness can be treated with drugs, but early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
5. The World Health Organization has launched a campaign to eliminate African sleeping sickness by 2030.