Malawi fights tsetse flies, disease after wildlife relocated

In this July 12, 2016 file photo, an elephant is lifted by a crane in an upside-down position in Lilongwe, Malawi, in the first step of an assisted migration of 500 of the animals. The relocation of elephants to Malawi's largest wildlife reserve was meant to be a sign of hope and renewal in the southern African nation but then residents stated falling ill. The cause of the headaches, weakness and pain were trypanosomes, tiny parasites spread by the bite of the tsetse fly, a companion of the elephants. [AP]

The relocation of hundreds of elephants to Malawi's largest wildlife reserve was meant to be a sign of hope and renewal in this southern African nation. Then nearby residents began falling ill.

The cause of the headaches, weakness and pain were trypanosomes, tiny parasites spread by the bite of the tsetste fly — a companion of the elephants. Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is the result.