Journal of Public Health (United Kingdom)
Volume 36, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 28-35

Migrant health and infectious diseases in the UK: Findings from the last 10 years of surveillance (Article) (Open Access)

Wagner K.S.* , Lawrence J. , Anderson L. , Yin Z. , Delpech V. , Chiodini P.L. , Redman C. , Jones J.
  • a Travel and Migrant Health Section, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
  • b Travel and Migrant Health Section, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
  • c TB Section, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
  • d HIV/STI Department, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
  • e HIV/STI Department, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
  • f Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
  • g Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow G2 6QE, United Kingdom
  • h Travel and Migrant Health Section, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: Migrants account for an increasing proportion of the UK population. They are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases in their country of origin (prior to migration or during return visits), during migration, as well as in their destination country. Migrants can therefore have different risk profiles to the indigenous population. Methods: UK enhanced surveillance data for TB, HIV, malaria and enteric fever were analysed, with a focus on 2010, for migrant (non-UK born) populations. Results: South Asia was the most common region of birth for TB and enteric fever cases (57 and 80% of migrant cases, respectively). Sub-Saharan Africa was the predominant region of birth for HIV in heterosexuals and malaria cases (80 and 75% of migrant cases, respectively). The majority of cases of TB, HIV in heterosexuals, malaria and enteric fever reported in the UK are migrants. Among UK-born cases, ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the importance of considering, and improving the recording of, country of birth as a risk factor for infection. Consideration of multiple health risks is of value for migrant patients, and this has implications for the design of improved preventative strategies. © The Author 2013.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84897681548&doi=10.1093%2fpubmed%2ffdt021&partnerID=40&md5=b8dbd35c30f856571b56489aa5d57e22
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdt021
ISSN: 17413842
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English