RESUMO
The annual incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Malta has remained low, at <20 per 100 000 population per year. However, TB notification among vulnerable groups is on the rise and is a matter of public health concern. We measured the TB notification rate, which ranged from 470 to 880/100 000 among migrant boat arrivals 1 year after arrival, highlighting the need to maintain high treatment success rates. Early case detection and high treatment success were observed due to post-arrival screening; however, the need for pragmatic, patient-friendly approaches that will encourage self-referral and access to treatment among migrant groups could play a significant role in preventing the re-emergence of TB in low-incidence settings.
Assuntos
Notificação de Doenças/estatística & dados numéricos , Tuberculose Pulmonar/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , África/etnologia , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Malta/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Tuberculose Pulmonar/etnologia , Tuberculose Pulmonar/prevenção & controle , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The history of avian and human influenza pandemics showed a high case fatality and devastating socioeconomic impact on the developing world. The global epidemiology of the human influenza of 1918; 1957 and 1968 pandemics had few similarities. One of which was mass human migration; whether it being troop deployment or trade routes. How much the perennial flight patterns of wild bird had on its spread is another question for consideration? The avian influenza virus does not readily cross the species barrier; though there is a potential for genetic re-assortment and cross infection. The main finding of this review suggest a lack of historic epidemiological data from the developing world on previous influenza pandemics; a poorly developed surveillance system and lack of health service delivery capacity to effectively combat an outbreak of influenza; should it occur. The developing world already heavily burdened with endemic diseases such as malaria; HIV; Tuberculosis and other respiratory tract infections will find it difficult to cope with an influenza pandemic. A preparedness plan for developing countries should include health systems strengthening especially that providing expertise and improved surveillance tools
