Infections in migrants: global and local epidemiological issues

Infectious diseases, although represented in part in the context of the well-known pathologies of which migrants are affected, are frequently observed in our health facilities. Most of these are common infections, caused by widespread pathogens in Italy and influenced by the living conditions of migrants. There are no health emergencies so far, indicating that migration flows are not associated with an increased risk of communicable disease transmission in Italy. Thus, the risk of importation of infectious diseases related to immigration is negligible. Here we will make an overview of the most important infectious diseases of the immigrants observed in Italy, especially in the setting of Ferrara city, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Interventions adopted in order to improve access to health services to receive immigrants for early recognition of particular infectious diseases and prevention/treatment programmes, will be also examined.