Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
2019

Fever of unknown origin caused by infectious diseases in the era of migrant and refugee crisis (Article)

Spernovasilis N. , Tsioutis C.* , Markaki L. , Zafeiri M. , Soundoulounaki S. , Gikas A.
  • a Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
  • b Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
  • c Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
  • d Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
  • e Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
  • f Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece

Abstract

Concern exists in Europe about the possibility of importation of infectious diseases due to the recent influx of migrants and refugees after 2011. In this retrospective 6-year study, We examined the epidemiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in Greece over the past years. Forty-eight patients with classical FUO were included. The proportion of infectious causes of FUO (29.2%) was similar to previous studies in Greece and all infections were endemic to the area. Disease-related mortality was 12.5% and no deaths due to infection were recorded. In conclusion, none of the diagnosed infectious causes of FUO raised concerns about the possibility of imported diseases or pathogens. These results re-inforce the perception that migrants and refugees are not carriers of communicable diseases that can cause public health problems to European countries. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Author Keywords

Fever of unknown origin Diagnosis migrant Infection Refugee

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85065621503&doi=10.1016%2fj.tmaid.2019.05.011&partnerID=40&md5=71db6e0cc73ee354aac41ca2527a46cb
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.05.011
ISSN: 14778939
Original Language: English