Parasites expand range into high-altitude refuges and cities

Parasites such as bed bugs, ticks, and phlebotomine sandflies are expanding their geographic range, appearing in unexpected locations including high-altitude mountain refuges and urban outskirts. Experts warn that climate change is driving this expansion, altering traditional risk maps.

Sara Epis, an associate professor of Parasitology at the University of Milan and a member of the Italian Society of Parasitology, notes that bed bugs are no longer confined to hotels or transport hubs. They are increasingly found in mountain shelters, where they can survive low temperatures and be transported by travelers in backpacks. In response, the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) has developed informative brochures for Lombardy's mountain refuges to increase traveler awareness.