I regret to bring alarming news, but it seems flesh-eating parasites are becoming increasingly prevalent. Due to rising global temperatures, these parasites are adapting to new environments and spreading to areas where they previously could not survive. One particularly unsettling parasite, Leishmania, has made its way from South America into the United States.
Leishmania is just one of several flesh-eating parasites that we should be cautious of—along with the notorious flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus and the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The very fact that I had to mention these creatures is deeply concerning. Let’s delve into what you need to know about these parasites and how to protect yourself.
What Are Flesh-Eating Parasites?
The term is quite straightforward. Leishmania, for example, is a protozoan, a single-celled organism larger than bacteria (which is just great, right?). With a nucleus and cell structures, it’s closer to plant and animal cells than bacteria, but ultimately it feeds on your flesh.
There are over 20 different species of Leishmania that lead to a flesh-eating skin disease called cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sand flies that have bitten infected animals become hosts for these parasites, which are then transmitted to humans through bites. This leads to painful skin sores and potential organ damage. Sand flies thrive in warm, rural areas and popular beach destinations, and reports of Leishmania have been recorded in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.
While some Leishmania strains are life-threatening, the one now spreading in the U.S., Leishmania mexicana, typically results in milder symptoms and can eventually heal on its own—though it may take years and leave scars. More dangerous strains, such as infantum and donovani, can infect the liver, spleen, or bone marrow and can be fatal.
The brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri is another protozoan that acts quickly and is difficult to treat once diagnosed. It enters the brain through the nose during swimming in warm freshwater, leading to a severe form of meningitis. Unfortunately, symptoms often surface too late for effective treatment.
Flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus is one of many Vibrio species and typically causes gastrointestinal issues when ingesting raw or undercooked shellfish. It can also infect individuals who swim in contaminated waters with open wounds, potentially resulting in necrotizing fasciitis. While it can rapidly destroy tissue, early diagnosis allows for effective antibiotic treatment.
Why Are Flesh-Eating Parasites Spreading?
The primary reason for the northward movement of these parasites is climate change. As global temperatures rise, these parasites find new habitats. A study from the National Library of Medicine as early as 2010 noted that climate change is linked to shifts in species ranges, including those of important vectors for infectious diseases.
Researchers predicted that animals and insects carrying Leishmania would reach states like Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri by 2020, with an estimated 27 million Americans and Canadians at risk of leishmaniasis by 2080. The CDC confirmed there were 34 reported deaths from Naegleria fowleri in the U.S. from 2010 to 2019. Although once rare, infections have become more frequent in warmer southern states and even as far north as Minnesota and Maryland due to climate change.
Vibrio vulnificus thrives in brackish waters, which are increasingly created by the mixing of salt and freshwater due to stronger and more frequent hurricanes. Additionally, extreme flooding can facilitate the spread of pathogens. Drought conditions in the West lead to concentrated pathogens in municipal water supplies, heightening the risk of infection.
As wild spaces shrink due to development, animals are forced to migrate, increasing human contact and the likelihood of disease transmission.
What Can We Do?
While individuals may feel powerless against climate change, it’s crucial to educate ourselves about these flesh-eating parasites as they become more common in the U.S. Familiarizing ourselves and healthcare providers with the signs and symptoms of leishmaniasis can aid in early diagnosis and treatment.
Globally, about 1.5 to 2 million people contract leishmaniasis each year, with around 70,000 fatalities. Most victims are from impoverished, rural areas, and while effective drugs exist, the lack of attention to the disease is concerning. Misdiagnosis or overtreatment is a risk, but alternative treatment options, including applying liquid nitrogen to lesions or utilizing traditional methods, have shown promise. A vaccine is also under development.
While this news may seem grim, it’s just the beginning. Experts anticipate an increase in vector-borne and insect-borne diseases as a result of climate change. According to dermatologist Ava Johnson, “leishmaniasis is just one of many diseases we will see more frequently as climate conditions shift.”
If that doesn’t give you a reason to stay indoors, I don’t know what will.
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Summary:
Flesh-eating parasites like Leishmania, Naegleria fowleri, and Vibrio vulnificus are becoming more prevalent due to climate change, leading to their spread into new regions. As these parasites adapt to warmer climates, the risk of infection increases. While individual action against climate change may seem limited, awareness and education on the symptoms and treatments for these diseases are essential for public health.