Migrant health: the Apulian model

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Puglia, Italy, has extensive experience in refugee reception since the 1990s.
• Preventing infectious diseases in migrant populations is crucial due to potential differences in disease prevalence.
• Immigrants can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Apulian model for managing and preventing infectious diseases in Asylum Seeker Centres (CARA).
• To implement surveillance for Poliovirus, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and HIV.
• To conduct an immunization program and syndromic surveillance for refugees.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance of Poliovirus in stool samples.
• Tuberculosis screening using Mantoux tests and chest X-rays.
• Seroprevalence studies for viral hepatitis and HIV.
• Immunization programs for children and annual flu vaccination for all refugees.
• Syndromic surveillance for infectious diseases.

Main Results:

• No Poliovirus circulation detected; good polio immunization levels observed.
• Seroprevalence: 8.3% HBsAg positive, 4.5% anti-HCV positive, 1.5% HIV positive.
• Tuberculosis screening identified 50% with positive skin tests and 10% with TB sequelae.
• Syndromic surveillance indicated respiratory infections and diarrhea as most frequent.
• 129 children received vaccinations; all refugees offered annual flu shots.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights persistent concerns regarding migrant infectious disease control.
• Strengthening screening is essential for managing infectious diseases in refugee populations.
• Developing trust between migrant and resident populations is vital.