Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help now for:
A seizure
Severe or rapidly worsening confusion
Difficulty waking or reduced consciousness
Sudden inability to walk, speak, or use a limb
Breathing difficulty or collapse
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical assessment if you develop fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, a new bite sore, or unusual sleep changes after living in or travelling to an area of sub-Saharan Africa where sleeping sickness occurs.
Mention the countries and regions you visited, even if the travel was months or years ago.
This is especially important if you develop confusion, behaviour changes, poor balance, tremors, or increasing daytime sleepiness.
These symptoms need urgent assessment because they may suggest involvement of the brain or spinal cord.
Contact the treating service sooner if fever, sleep disruption, confusion, or movement problems return.
And for anyone, someone who:
is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
After treatment, attend routine follow-up as arranged.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sleeping sickness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.