All people detected with Trypanosomiasis must obtain treatment. The particular drug and treatment option will be influenced by the kind of infection (T. b. gambiense or T. b. rhodesiense) and the illness phase (i.e. whether the central nervous system has been attacked by the parasite). Pentamidine, which is the prescribed drug for early stage, the other drugs (suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, and nifurtimox) used to treat trypanosomiasis.
There is no test of cure for trypanosomiasis. After treatment people are required to have sequential assessments of their cerebrospinal fluid for 2 years, so that deterioration can be discovered if it happens.