Further progress in the control of sleeping sickness in Nigeria

Abstract

Of the 3 types of sleeping sickness found in Nigeria (mild, toxic, and nervous), the mild constitutes the greatest majority of cases. This form seldom causes death in itself. Sanitary methods and mass treatments have reduced the incidence of the disease from about 20% in 1931 to about 2% in 1944. As a result a decreasing population has now become an increasing one. Over 450,000 cases have been treated since 1931. It is believed that the problem of sleeping sickness in Nigeria is now well under control.