Migrant health and infectious diseases in the UK: findings from the last 10 years of surveillance.

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.