Migration and infectious diseases.
BACKGROUND
Infectious diseases still represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality among foreign-born individuals. The rising migration flows towards Europe throughout the last few years are raising renewed concerns about management issues and the potential associated risk for the native population.


AIMS
To discuss the health implications and challenges related to the four phases of migration, from first arrival to stable resettlement.


SOURCES
Scientific literature and relevant statistical reports.


CONTENT
Although infectious diseases are not a health priority at first arrival, a syndromic screening to identify the most common communicable conditions (pulmonary tuberculosis above all) should be promptly conducted. Reception centres where asylum seekers are gathered after arrival may be crowded, so favouring epidemic outbreaks, sometimes caused by incomplete vaccine coverage for preventable diseases. After resettlement, the prevalence of some chronic infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis or tuberculosis largely reflects the epidemiological pattern in the country of origin, with poor living conditions being an additional driver. Once resettled, migrants usually travel back to their country of origin without seeking pre-travel advice, which results in a high incidence of malaria and other infections.


IMPLICATIONS
Although infectious diseases among migrants are known to have a negligible impact on European epidemiology, screening programmes need to be implemented and adapted to the different stages of the migratory process to better understand the trends and set priorities for action. Appropriate access to care regardless of the legal status is crucial to improve the health status and prevent the spread of contagious conditions.
['Castelli|F|F|', 'Sulis|G|G|']
D002908:Chronic Disease D003141:Communicable Diseases D004196:Disease Outbreaks D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants D004641:Emigration and Immigration D005060:Europe D015658:HIV Infections D006304:Health Status D006505:Hepatitis D006801:Humans D008288:Malaria D015995:Prevalence D012036:Refugees D014195:Travel D014376:Tuberculosis
Screening Tuberculosis Asylum seekers Human immunodeficiency virus Viral hepatitis Migrants Immunization coverage Refugees Syndromic approach