Screening for infectious diseases among unaccompanied minor refugees in Berlin, 2014-2015

Eur J Epidemiol. 2016 Jul;31(7):707-10. doi: 10.1007/s10654-016-0187-x. Epub 2016 Jul 23.

Abstract

Infectious diseases (except tuberculosis) were screened among 1248 unaccompanied minor refugees (UMRs) arriving in Berlin in 2014-2015; 40 % originated from Syria. More than half of the refugees presented without any pathologic finding. Infections requiring treatment were diagnosed in 19.6 %, mainly infections with Giardia and intestinal helminths as well as schistosomiasis, while potentially contagious diseases were diagnosed in 15.3 % of all screened UMRs.

Keywords: Germany; Giardia; Infectious diseases screening; Unaccompanied minor refugees.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Berlin / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Minors / statistics & numerical data
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data*