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Saleh M, Farah Z, Howard N. Infectious disease surveillance for refugees at borders and in destination countries: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:227. [PMID: 35114956 PMCID: PMC8813574 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on infectious disease surveillance for migrants on arrival and in destination countries are limited, despite global migration increases, and more are needed to inform national surveillance policies. Our study aimed to examine the scope of existing literature including existing infectious disease surveillance activities, surveillance methods used, surveillance policies or protocols, and potential lessons reported. METHODS Using Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage approach, we screened four scientific databases systematically and 11 websites, Google, and Google Scholar purposively using search terms related to 'refugee' and 'infectious disease surveillance' with no restrictions on time-period or country. Title/abstracts and full texts were screened against eligibility criteria and extracted data were synthesised thematically. RESULTS We included 20 eligible sources of 728 identified. Reporting countries were primarily European and all were published between 1999 and 2019. Surveillance methods included 9 sources on syndromic surveillance, 2 on Early Warning and Response (EWAR), 1 on cross-border surveillance, and 1 on GeoSentinel clinic surveillance. Only 7 sources mentioned existing surveillance protocols and communication with reporting sites, while policies around surveillance were almost non-existent. Eleven included achievements such as improved partner collaboration, while 6 reported the lack of systematic approaches to surveillance. CONCLUSION This study identified minimal literature on infectious disease surveillance for migrants in transit and destination countries. We found significant gaps geographically and on surveillance policies and protocols. Countries receiving refugees could document and share disease surveillance methods and findings to fill these gaps and support other countries in improving disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Saleh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
| | - Zeina Farah
- Epidemiological Surveillance Program, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Natasha Howard
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549 Singapore
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Rodriguez-Lainz A, DeSisto C, Waterman S, Wiedemann MS, Moore CW, Williams WW, Moser K. Influenza vaccination coverage among US-Mexico land border crossers: 2009 H1N1 pandemic and 2011-2012 influenza season. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 27:99-103. [PMID: 30296482 PMCID: PMC6532778 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high volume of US-Mexico land border crossings can facilitate international dissemination of influenza viruses. METHODS We surveyed adult pedestrians crossing into the United States at two international land ports of entry to assess vaccination coverage during the 2009H1N1 influenza pandemic and 2011-2012 influenza season. RESULTS Of 559 participants in 2010, 23.4% reported receipt of the 2009H1N1 vaccine. Of 1423 participants in 2012, 33.7% received the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine. Both years, those crossing the border ≥8 times per month had lower vaccination coverage than those crossing less frequently. US-border residents had lower H1N1 coverage than those in other locations. Vaccination coverage was higher for persons age ≥65 years and, in 2010 only, those with less than high school education. Although most participants believed it is important to get vaccinated, only half believed the influenza vaccine was safe and effective. The main reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine were beliefs of low risk of disease, time constraints, and concerns about vaccine safety (in 2010) or efficacy (in 2012). CONCLUSIONS International land border crossers are a large and unique category of travelers that require targeted binational strategies for influenza vaccination and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Rodriguez-Lainz
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Carla DeSisto
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen Waterman
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Walter W Williams
- Immunization Services Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathleen Moser
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Cunningham AA, Daszak P, Wood JLN. One Health, emerging infectious diseases and wildlife: two decades of progress? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0167. [PMID: 28584175 PMCID: PMC5468692 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases affect people, domestic animals and wildlife alike, with many pathogens being able to infect multiple species. Fifty years ago, following the wide-scale manufacture and use of antibiotics and vaccines, it seemed that the battle against infections was being won for the human population. Since then, however, and in addition to increasing antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens, there has been an increase in the emergence of, mostly viral, zoonotic diseases from wildlife, sometimes causing fatal outbreaks of epidemic proportions. Concurrently, infectious disease has been identified as an increasing threat to wildlife conservation. A synthesis published in 2000 showed common anthropogenic drivers of disease threats to biodiversity and human health, including encroachment and destruction of wildlife habitat and the human-assisted spread of pathogens. Almost two decades later, the situation has not changed and, despite improved knowledge of the underlying causes, little has been done at the policy level to address these threats. For the sake of public health and wellbeing, human-kind needs to work better to conserve nature and preserve the ecosystem services, including disease regulation, that biodiversity provides while also understanding and mitigating activities which lead to disease emergence. We consider that holistic, One Health approaches to the management and mitigation of the risks of emerging infectious diseases have the greatest chance of success. This article is part of the themed issue ‘One Health for a changing world: zoonoses, ecosystems and human well-being’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Peter Daszak
- Ecohealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - James L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Reese SM. Journal club: A pilot gap analysis survey of US emergency medical services practitioners to determine training and education needs pertaining to highly infectious disease preparedness and response. Am J Infect Control 2018; 46:356-357. [PMID: 29499789 PMCID: PMC7134783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Reese
- Department of Patient Safety and Quality, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO.
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5
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Bruniera-Oliveira R, Horta MAP, Varan A, Montiel S, Carmo EH, Waterman SH, Verani JFDS. Epidemiological surveillance of land borders in North and South America: a case study. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017; 59:e68. [PMID: 29116288 PMCID: PMC5679680 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201759068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the different binational/multinational activities,
programs, and structures taking place on the borders of Brazil and the U.S. between
2013 and 2015. A descriptive exploratory study of two border epidemiological
surveillance (BES) systems has been performed. Two approaches were used to collect
data: i) technical visits to the facilities involved with border
surveillance and application of a questionnaire survey; ii)
application of an online questionnaire survey. It was identified that, for both
surveillance systems, more than 55% of the technicians had realized that the BES and
its activities have high priority. Eighty percent of North American and 71% of
Brazilian border jurisdictions reported an exchange of information between countries.
Less than half of the jurisdictions reported that the necessary tools to carry out
information exchange were available. Operational attributes of completeness,
feedback, reciprocity, and quality of information were identified as weak or of low
quality in both systems. Statements, guidelines, and protocols to develop
surveillance activities are available at the U.S.-Mexico border area. The continuous
systematic development of surveillance systems at these borders will create more
effective actions and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Aurélio Pereira Horta
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Vice-Presidência de Pesquisa e Laboratórios de Referência, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aiden Varan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sonia Montiel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eduardo Hage Carmo
- Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Stephen H Waterman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine San Diego, California, USA
| | - José Fernando de Souza Verani
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Epidemiologia e Métodos Quantitativos em Saúde da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Cunningham AA, Daszak P, Wood JLN. One Health, emerging infectious diseases and wildlife: two decades of progress? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0167 https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2016.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases affect people, domestic animals and wildlife alike, with many pathogens being able to infect multiple species. Fifty years ago, following the wide-scale manufacture and use of antibiotics and vaccines, it seemed that the battle against infections was being won for the human population. Since then, however, and in addition to increasing antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens, there has been an increase in the emergence of, mostly viral, zoonotic diseases from wildlife, sometimes causing fatal outbreaks of epidemic proportions. Concurrently, infectious disease has been identified as an increasing threat to wildlife conservation. A synthesis published in 2000 showed common anthropogenic drivers of disease threats to biodiversity and human health, including encroachment and destruction of wildlife habitat and the human-assisted spread of pathogens. Almost two decades later, the situation has not changed and, despite improved knowledge of the underlying causes, little has been done at the policy level to address these threats. For the sake of public health and wellbeing, human-kind needs to work better to conserve nature and preserve the ecosystem services, including disease regulation, that biodiversity provides while also understanding and mitigating activities which lead to disease emergence. We consider that holistic, One Health approaches to the management and mitigation of the risks of emerging infectious diseases have the greatest chance of success.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘One Health for a changing world: zoonoses, ecosystems and human well-being’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Peter Daszak
- Ecohealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - James L. N. Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Gushulak BD, Weekers J, MacPherson DW. Migrants and emerging public health issues in a globalized world: threats, risks and challenges, an evidence-based framework. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v2i0.7091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BD Gushulak
- Research Section, Migration Health Consultants, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Weekers
- Migration Health Department, International Organization for Migration, Geneva, Switzerland and
| | - DW MacPherson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
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Nathawad R, Roblin PM, Pruitt D, Arquilla B. Addressing the gaps in preparation for quarantine. Prehosp Disaster Med 2013; 28:132-8. [PMID: 23356554 PMCID: PMC7113027 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x1200180x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the event of an outbreak of a communicable respiratory illness, quarantine may become necessary. The New York Institute for All Hazard Preparedness (NYIAHP) of the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, in cooperation with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Program, (NYC DOHMH-HEPP) quarantine working group, has developed a series of clinical protocols to help health care facilities respond to such an event. PROBLEM Two full-scale exercises (FSEs) were designed and conducted a year apart in the quarantine unit at Kings County Hospital Center (KCHC) to test the efficacy and feasibility of these quarantine protocols. The goal of these exercises was to identify the gaps in preparedness for quarantine and increase hospital readiness for such an event. METHODS Evaluators monitored for efficient management of critical physical plants, personnel and material resources. Players were expected to integrate and practice emergency response plans and protocols specific to quarantine. In developing the exercise objectives, five activities were selected for evaluation: Activation of the Unit, Staffing, Charting/Admission, Symptom Monitoring and Infection Control, and Client Management. RESULTS The results of the initial FSE found that there were incomplete critical tasks within all five protocols: These deficiencies were detailed in an After Action Report and an Improvement Plan was presented to the KCHC Disaster Preparedness Committee a month after the initial FSE. In the second FSE a year later, all critical tasks for Activation of the unit, Staffing and Charting/Admission were achieved. Completion of critical tasks related to Symptom Monitoring and Infection Control and Client Management was improved in the second FSE, but some tasks were still not performed appropriately. CONCLUSION In short, these exercises identified critical needs in disaster preparedness of the KCHC Quarantine Unit. The lessons learned from this logistical exercise enabled the planning group to have a better understanding of leadership needs, communication capabilities, and infection control procedures. Kings County Hospital Center performed well during these exercises. It was clear that performance in the second exercise was improved, and many problems noted in the first exercise were corrected. Staff also felt better prepared the second time. This supports the idea that frequent exercises are vital to maintain disaster readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nathawad
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York USA
| | | | - Darrin Pruitt
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York USA
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Gushulak B, Weekers J, Macpherson D. Migrants and emerging public health issues in a globalized world: threats, risks and challenges, an evidence-based framework. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2010; 2:e10. [PMID: 22460280 PMCID: PMC3167650 DOI: 10.3134/ehtj.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
International population mobility is an underlying factor in the emergence of public health threats and risks that must be managed globally. These risks are often related, but not limited, to transmissible pathogens. Mobile populations can link zones of disease emergence to lowprevalence or nonendemic areas through rapid or high-volume international movements, or both. Against this background of human movement, other global processes such as economics, trade, transportation, environment and climate change, as well as civil security influence the health impacts of disease emergence. Concurrently, global information systems, together with regulatory frameworks for disease surveillance and reporting, affect organizational and public awareness of events of potential public health significance. International regulations directed at disease mitigation and control have not kept pace with the growing challenges associated with the volume, speed, diversity, and disparity of modern patterns of human movement. The thesis that human population mobility is itself a major determinant of global public health is supported in this article by review of the published literature from the perspective of determinants of health (such as genetics/biology, behavior, environment, and socioeconomics), population-based disease prevalence differences, existing national and international health policies and regulations, as well as inter-regional shifts in population demographics and health outcomes. This paper highlights some of the emerging threats and risks to public health, identifies gaps in existing frameworks to manage health issues associated with migration, and suggests changes in approach to population mobility, globalization, and public health. The proposed integrated approach includes a broad spectrum of stakeholders ranging from individual health-care providers to policy makers and international organizations that are primarily involved in global health management, or are influenced by global health events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bd Gushulak
- Research Section, Migration Health Consultants, Ontario, Canada
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