The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases guidelines for the diagnosis, management and prevention of infections in recently arrived refugees : an abridged outline

R.J. Murray, J.S. Davis, David Burgner, M. Hansen-Knarhoi, V. Krause, B-A. Biggs, C. Lemoh, J. Benson, S. Cherian, J. Buttery, G. Paxton

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    42 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    About 13 000 refugees are currently accepted for migration into Australia each year, many of whom have spent protracted periods living in extremely disadvantaged circumstances. As a result, medical practitioners are increasingly managing recently arrived refugees with acute and chronic infectious diseases. The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases has formulated guidelines for the diagnosis, management and prevention of infection in newly arrived refugees. This article is an abridged version of the guidelines, which are available in full at . All refugees should be offered a comprehensive health assessment, ideally within 1 month of arrival in Australia, that includes screening for and treatment of tuberculosis, malaria, blood-borne viral infections, schistosomiasis, helminth infection, sexually transmitted infections, and other infections (eg, Helicobacter pylori) as indicated by clinical assessment; and assessment of immunisation status, and catch-up immunisations where appropriate. The assessment can be undertaken by a general practitioner or within a multidisciplinary refugee health clinic, with use of an appropriate interpreter when required. The initial assessment should take place over at least two visits: the first for initial assessment and investigation and the second for review of results and treatment or referral.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)421-425
    JournalMedical Journal of Australia
    Volume190
    Issue number8
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases guidelines for the diagnosis, management and prevention of infections in recently arrived refugees : an abridged outline'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this