Human Trypanosomiasis in South-East Uganda

Abstract

During the past two decades there has been an increase in the incidence and spread of sleeping-sickness due to Trypanosoma rhodesiense throughout the north-eastern shore area of Lake Victoria; this increase has been associated with heightened fishing activity and increasing and irregular settlement of the tsetse-fly belt of south-east Uganda. The author describes a number of epidemiological factors affecting the occurrence of the disease among fishermen, placing emphasi~ on the correct development of the local fishing industry to avoid, on the one hand, depleting the fish population and, on the other, increasing the incidence of sleeping-sickness. Sociological factors which militate against the development of settlement in Glossinainfested areas of south-east Uganda are also described and plans for future settlement in that area are discussed.