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Protect Yourself from Tsetse Flies in Africa

Don't Let Tsetse Flies Ruin Your African Adventure

Learn how to identify and avoid these dangerous insects and protect yourself from sleeping sickness.

Protect Yourself from Tsetse Flies in Africa

Africa

Tsetse flies are large, blood-sucking insects found in Africa. They are known for their painful bite and their ability to transmit sleeping sickness, a potentially fatal disease. They can be identified by their honeybee-like appearance, the long proboscis with its onion-shaped bulb at the base, and the unique wing venation with the characteristic cleaver- or hatchet-shaped cell in the center of the wing. They are typically brown or black in color and have a wingspan of about 1-2 inches. Protecting yourself from tsetse fly bites is crucial when traveling to affected areas.

Painful Bites

Tsetse fly bites are notoriously painful.

Sleeping Sickness Transmission

These flies transmit the potentially fatal disease, sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis).

Wide Distribution in Africa

Tsetse flies are prevalent in many parts of Africa, so awareness is key for travelers.

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