Neglected tropical diseases becoming more common in Europe, study shows

"Worm infestations, food parasites, Chagas disease, sand fly-transmitted infections and other neglected tropical diseases usually found in Africa and Asia are turning up more often in Europe, according to a new study" published recently in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases by researchers from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, the New York Times reports.

"The problems were worst in Eastern Europe, Turkey, former Soviet states and the Balkans, and weak economies and migratory populations were blamed," according to the newspaper. The research found that "Gypsies, African immigrants and children destined for international adoption" were particularly vulnerable to the diseases, the New York Times notes (McNeil, 8/1).