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International adoption: issues in infectious diseases
Dana D Staat1, Michael E Klepser
1College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA. danastaat@ferris.edu
Pharmacotherapy
|September 2, 2006
Summary
International adoption poses infectious disease risks for children and families. Pre-adoption screening and post-adoption precautions are crucial for preventing disease transmission, including tuberculosis and hepatitis B.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
Background:
- International adoptions are rising in the U.S.
- Adopted children and traveling families face unique infectious disease exposures.
- Healthcare practices and disease reporting differ globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight infectious disease risks associated with international adoption.
- To inform families about potential health threats to adopted children and themselves.
- To emphasize the importance of disease prevention and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Review of infectious disease prevalence in international adoptees.
- Analysis of documented disease transmission cases.
- Discussion of potential health risks and preventive measures.
Main Results:
- Documented transmission of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and measles.
- Potential for various infectious agents (parasites, bacteria, viruses) causing significant illness.
- Emerging infectious diseases like SARS and avian influenza pose a possible, though unconfirmed, risk.
Conclusions:
- Families should be vigilant about infectious diseases during and after international adoption.
- Pre-travel and post-arrival health evaluations are essential.
- Implementing appropriate precautions can mitigate disease transmission risks.
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