Communicable diseases
Communicable or infectious diseases are illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria that can spread from one person to another. Refugees and asylum seekers may be at increased risk from communicable diseases for several reasons outlined below. Despite this, according to the World Health Organisation, there is a ‘very low risk’ of communicable diseases being transmitted from the refugee and migrant population to the population in the host country in Europe.
Reasons for increased risk of communicable disease in refugees and asylum seekers
- Home country - The rate of communicable diseases varies between countries, so previous exposure to, and immunity from illness will differ depending on which country a refugee has come from.
- Journey - Additionally, the journey to the UK can include close prolonged contact with others from other countries, and often in conditions with poor sanitation, putting them at greater risk of exposure to infectious diseases, which may go undiagnosed on arrival.
Following their arrival in Gloucestershire refugees and asylum seekers are helped to register with a GP and access health services where they can be assessed for communicable diseases, including screening for blood borne viruses and TB. They are also offered a medical review to identify any current existing infections, check for any other underlying health conditions, consider the need for vaccinations, and evaluated for any psychological support needs.
Screening - Tests for diseases
In some countries, screening programmes or tests for communicable diseases, such as hepatitis, may not be offered or readily available, or people may not be able to get medical advice due to stigma or lack of access to treatment options. This means that individuals may arrive in the UK with previously undiagnosed or poorly controlled conditions.
Vaccination
- Vaccination schedules in countries of origin often differ from those offered in the UK.
- Individuals may not have been able to complete their vaccination schedules due to disruption caused by conflict or other factors.
- Limited access to vaccinations may have been an issue in their home country.
- Refugees and asylum seekers are encouraged to make sure that they have had all of the vaccines offered in the UK. Even if they were missed at an earlier age, it is important that they catch up and get protected