The growing global health concerns of travelers’ fasciolosis in an era of increased migration

Abstract

Zoonotic fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is an emerging global health concern driven by increasing international travel, migration, and ecological shifts. Once primarily a livestock disease, its rising incidence in humans—particularly among travelers, expatriates, and displaced populations—highlights its significance as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The transmission cycle is sustained by environmental and socio-economic factors, including climate variability, inadequate surveillance, and persistent gaps in prevention strategies. Previous control efforts have been hindered by re-infection cycles, misdiagnosis, and limited access to effective diagnostics and treatment, particularly in non-endemic regions. To mitigate its spread, a coordinated, evidence-based approach is necessary. Strengthening border surveillance, integrating real-time digital tracking systems, promoting climate-adaptive agricultural and veterinary interventions, and fostering international policy collaboration are critical steps. By addressing past intervention failures and leveraging emerging technologies, the global health community can contain the spread of fasciolosis and prevent its escalation into a major public health crisis.