Infectious diseases in North Africa and North African immigrants to Europe

Abstract

The epidemiological transition has reduced infectious diseases mortality in most European countries, yet increased migrant influx risks importing diseases. All reported prevalence rates must be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the disease in question, respective European Union (EU) country and migratory patterns at work. Tuberculosis has seen a re-emergence in Europe and is concentrated among migrants. Migrants arriving from North Africa (NA) and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carry higher rates of hepatitis C and B than the local EU population. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) impact of NA migrants to Europe is very low but a hallmark of the HIV epidemic is the penetration and circulation of non-B strains, recombinant forms and HIV-drug-resistant profiles through SSA migrants using NA as a transit point into Europe. Leishmaniasis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease prevalent to Southern Europe although not specifically isolated in migrant groups. Although not endemic in NA countries, malaria represent S: a risk in terms of re-emergence in Europe through transitory migrants arriving from SSA with the destination to Europe. Schistosomiasis has been largely eliminated from NA. High migrant flux into European countries has resulted in changing patterns of communicable disease and collectively requires a continuous surveillance. World Health Organization guidelines recommend targeted screening and preventative vaccination, followed by integration of migrants into the local health-care systems allowing for long-term treatment and follow-up. Finally, effective public health campaigns as a form of prevention are essential for the mitigation of disease dissemination in the migrant pool and for second-generation children of migrants.

Recent updates and perspectives on leishmaniasis

“…Prevention and control are based on early diagnosis and treatment, vector control, disease surveillance, and education of the community. The European Union has been receiving, since the mid-1900s, an influx of immigrants, known to be a marginalized and vulnerable group, with an estimated 20 million migrants having arrived in the past 15 years [3]. Therefore, leishmaniasis should be considered in the diagnostic assessment of immigrants or travelers who could have been exposed to the parasite in endemic areas [24,25].…”

Emerging Infectious Diseases

“…Successful integration of migrants into the local health care system and partnering with public health facilities will ensure better diagnosis and management of diseases. 39 Nurses' unique skill sets brought to health care settings enhance the ability to assess patients for EID as well as promote health in the community. 28 Each patient history must include a detailed travel history.…”

Emerging infections—an increasingly important topic: review by the Emerging Infections Task Force

“…Tourism is reaching new records every year [44]. Diseases move with people, and the geographical background of a person must be taken into account when discussing differential diagnosis like HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus and leishmaniasis, which have incubation periods that can last 10 years or more [45].…”