The blood-sucking insect that can bite through almost anything – and is found in 37 countries

LifestyleHealth & FamiliesThe blood-sucking insect that can bite through almost anything – and is found in 37 countriesThe flies transmit parasitic diseases as they move from host to hostMarkus Engstler The Conversation & Daniel MasigaThursday 20 August 2026 14:42 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b3036397","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/tsetse-fly-africa-sleeping-sickness-b3036397.html","title":"The blood-sucking insect that can bite through almost anything"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-42248","index":0}The tsetse fly is found across millions of square kilometres (Getty/iStock)Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer lifeGet the Well Enough email with Harry BullmoreGet the Well Enough email with Harry BullmoreEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"pianoFieldName":"receiveIndyWellness","regTitle":"Well Enough","subscriptionGroup":"living_well","subscriptionGroupId":"49bc57ef-e891-4172-8113-3f46400fcd87","type":"lifestyle","pathPrefix":["/health-and-wellbeing","/health-and-fitness","/life-style/health-and-families","/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity","/topic/sports-and-fitness","/topic/weight-loss","/topic/workout","/topic/exercising","/topic/fitness","/topic/jogging","/topic/running","/topic/confidence","/topic/wellness","/topic/stress","/topic/electrolytes"],"associatedAuthors":["Harry Bullmore"],"title":"Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life","mobileTitle":"Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore...