Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Encephalitis Lethargica

Definition

Encephalitis lethargica is an inflammation of the brain caused by two trypanosomes (microscopic protozoan parasites). The illness, which can be fatal, is transmitted from one infected person to another by the tsetse fly. While it can occur globally, encephalitis lethargica is especially prevalent in Africa.

Description

Encephalitis lethargica is a vector-borne disease, meaning it is transmitted to a susceptible person by a living creature. The tsetse fly lives in moist vegetation near lakes and rivers and in grassy areas. People living near these regions are most susceptible the bite of a tsetse fly infected with the trypasosomes that cause encephalitis lethargica. The disease is also known as African trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness, sleepy sickness, and von Economo's disease. Another form of the trypanosome-borne disease that occurs in North, Central, and South America is called Chagas...