Travel Alert: Tourists in Southern Europe Warned of Potentially Deadly ‘Sandfly’ Parasite
Health authorities are issuing urgent warnings to travelers visiting Southern Europe regarding the rising prevalence of Leishmaniasis, a microscopic parasite transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies. While often associated with tropical climates, recent data indicates the parasite is becoming increasingly active in popular Mediterranean holiday destinations including Spain, Italy, southern France, and Greece.
The parasite, specifically the genus Leishmania, causes an infection that manifests in two primary forms. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common, resulting in skin sores and ulcers that can leave permanent scars. However, the more severe form, visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar), attacks internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. If left untreated, this systemic form of the disease is almost always fatal.
Deep Search: Understanding the Threat
Unlike mosquitoes, sandflies are silent and significantly smaller—often a third of the size of a mosquito—making them difficult to detect. They are most active during twilight and nighttime hours. The female sandfly transmits the protozoan parasite through its bite. Symptoms of the visceral form can be vague and may not appear for months after the trip. They typically include prolonged fever, substantial weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia. Because the incubation period is long, many tourists may not connect their symptoms to their previous travels, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis.
Background Info: Climate Change Driving the Spread
Leishmaniasis has long been endemic to the Mediterranean basin, but it was historically viewed primarily as a veterinary issue affecting dogs, or a risk limited to specific rural pockets. However, rising global temperatures and milder winters have allowed sandfly populations to thrive and expand their territories northward. Entomologists note that the “season” for sandflies is lengthening, meaning the risk window for tourists is wider than in previous decades. This shift parallels the movement of other vector-borne diseases in Europe, such as Dengue and West Nile Virus.
Objections and Nuance
Despite the alarming nature of the warning, infectious disease experts caution against panic. The risk of a short-term tourist contracting the fatal visceral form of Leishmaniasis remains statistically low compared to long-term residents or outdoor pets. Most healthy immune systems can fight off the infection or limit it to the skin. Furthermore, the disease is treatable with antiparasitic medications if diagnosed early. The advisory is not intended to discourage travel to Southern Europe but to enforce a change in behavior: travelers are strongly advised to use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves during evening hours, and sleep under treated nets if staying in rustic accommodations with open windows.
travelvax.com.au
