ALSO KNOWN AS THE ACUTE EAST AFRICAN SLEEPING SICKNESSGroup of answer choicesTrypanosoma rhodesienseTrypanosoma gambiense

The acute East African sleeping sickness is primarily caused by the parasite Trypanosoma rhodesiense. This disease, also known as Rhodesian sleeping sickness, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies, which are commonly found in the rural regions of East Africa. Symptoms of this form of sleeping sickness can develop quickly and can include fever, headaches, joint pains, and itching. As the disease progresses, it can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, personality changes, and disturbances in sleep patterns, which is why it's called "sleeping sickness."

On the other hand, Trypanosoma gambiense causes the chronic form of sleeping sickness, primarily found in West Africa, and has a slower progression of symptoms that can take years to manifest. Therefore, if you are specifically referring to the acute form, the correct answer is Trypanosoma rhodesiense.