An inquiry into an outbreak of human trypanosomiasis in a “Glossina morsitans” belt to the east of Mwanza, Tanganyika territory

Abstract

The tour of investigation covered by this Report has yielded results which confirm, in a very striking manner, my views as to the importance of direct transmission in the spread of trypanosomiasis in man. The following were the special subjects of my inquiries:— (1) The origin of the outbreak. (2) The type of disease. (3) The distribution and prevalence of the disease. (4) Its methods of spread. (5) The causative trypanosome. (6) The infectivity of the fly, with special reference to the polymorphic trypanosome. (7) The infectivity of the game. (8) Ӕtiological factors determining the epidemic. Itinerary.—I reached Mwanza on July 11, 1922, and proceeded on safari on the 13th, reaching the Fly-belt on the 16th. The route followed (see map) ran along the belt of open country referred to by Swynnerton in his report. The three collecting posts for trypanosomiasis cases, established along this clear zone by Dr. Maclean, were visited in turn and the patients examined.