African Trypanosomiasis: A Danger for Tourists Visiting Gambia?

Abstract

A 30-year-old Swedish woman visiting Gambia in 1975 acquired trypanosomiasis probably of the Gambian type. The first sign of her disease appeared as a trypanosomal chancre on her right thigh, soon followed by lymphadenitis in her right groin. One week later she became febrile and was therefore hospitalized after returning to Sweden. The diagnosis was established by demonstrating numerous trypanosomes in a blood smear. 10 pentamidine injections (200 mg once daily) intramuscularly cured her disease. The risk of acquiring trypanosomiasis in Gambia seems to be extremely small for tourists, but not quite negligible.