Somali refugee health screening in Hennepin County

Somalis are one of the newest refugee groups to settle in Minnesota, first arriving in 1993. The largest number of Somali refugees in Minnesota live in Hennepin County, which received 85% of the state's Somali refugees in 1996. In this population, tuberculosis, parasitic diseases, and malaria are of particular concern. In 1996 Somalis accounted for 27% of the foreign-born cases of tuberculosis in Minnesota. Before entering the United States, all refugees are given an overseas health assessment, which focuses on identifying conditions that might be contagious. The examination is limited and is valid for one year. Domestic refugee health assessment is very important, since it provides a comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment plan for health conditions that may interfere with successful resettlement.