Ayman Khattab

Climate Change, Exceptional Conditions and Parasites in a Changing Europe

The presentation will discuss how climate change and exceptional conditions are reshaping the geography and public health relevance of parasitic diseases in Europe. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events may alter the distribution of vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies, creating opportunities for some parasites to appear in new regions. Examples such as leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis, schistosomiasis, malaria, and ectoparasitic infestations such as mites and lice will be used to illustrate how environmental and societal changes can influence parasite risk. The talk will also consider the role of flooding, displacement, travel, and population movement in creating unexpected exposure situations. Overall, the presentation aims to highlight why awareness, preparedness, and surveillance are increasingly important as Europe’s parasite landscape continues to change.