Low Number of Neuroinfections in Migrants to Greece from Syria and Iraq Comparison to Migrants from Burundi and Congo to Rwanda

Abstract

The aim of this short paper was to assess proportion of neuroinfections in refugees from Syria and Iraq in comparison to those fleeing from Congo and Burundi to Rwanda. Screening on neuroinfections was performed in both populations and compared in univariate analysis.

Headnote

Key words:

Migrants, Neuroinfections.

Abstract:

The aim of this short paper was to assess proportion of neuroinfections in refugees from Syria and Iraq in comparison to those fleeing from Congo and Burundi to Rwanda. Screening on neuroinfections was performed in both populations and compared in univariate analysis.

Conflict of interest:

The authors whose names are listed in the title of the article certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, or other equity interest), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Introduction

Little has been published on neuroinfections and mainly on poliomyelitis and their long-term neurological complications and consequences related to migrant populations. Two groups of refugees from populations where poliomyelitis was not yet eradicated are entering EU either African migrants from Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan via Sicily and Malta, or migrants from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan via Balkan route. Despite of significant numbers of migrants, no poliomyelitis case was observed or described. Vaccination status of migrating populations remain mostly unknown, but we can suppose lack of vaccines in conflict zones. There is a need for screening of neurological symptoms in migrant populations and their vaccination status.

Patients and methods

All arriving migrants/refugees to Alexandropolis UNHCR camp Health Clinic of St. Elisabeth University are standardly screened for TB, STD including HIV and hepatis B and C. Except these standard screenings, also screening for neurological symptoms which could show latent neuroinfections was added. In two weeks, in total of 632 migrants was screened for neurological symptoms. Same screening was done on group of 91 newly arrived migrants in UNHCR camp in Rwanda. Both groups were assessed and compared by univariate analysis.

Results

For both groups, no neuroinfection or neurological symptoms were found. However, in group of migrants from Alexandropolis, in 10 cases, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found and patients were referred to adequate specialists. 1 case of epilepsy was noted during routine screening.

Conclusions

Neurological symptomatology in both groups of migrants either African or from Middle East is rare.

Sidebar

E-mail address:

[email protected]

Reprint address:

Natasa Bujdova, M.D.

DSW Mariupol

Health post Ukraine

Reviewers:

Jirina Kafkova, Ph.D.

Nairobi, St. Bakitha Clinic, Kenya

Victor Namulanda Wanjala

Catholic university of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

Publisher:

International Society of Applied Preventive Medicine i-gap

References

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