Spectrum of illness in international migrants seen at GeoSentinel clinics in 1997-2009, part 2: migrants resettled internationally and evaluated for specific health concerns.

Background: Increasing international migration may challenge healthcare providers unfamiliar with acute and long latency infections and diseases common in this population. This study defines health conditions encountered in a large heterogenous group of migrants.

Methods: Migrants seen at GeoSentinel clinics for any reason, other than those seen at clinics only providing comprehensive protocol-based health screening soon after arrival, were included.

Spectrum of illness in international migrants seen at GeoSentinel clinics in 1997-2009, part 1: US-bound migrants evaluated by comprehensive protocol-based health assessment.

Background: Many nations are struggling to develop structured systems and guidelines to optimize the health of new arrivals, but there is currently no international consensus about the best approach.

Methods: Data on 7792 migrants who crossed international borders for the purpose of resettlement and underwent a protocol-based health assessment were collected from the GeoSentinel Surveillance network. Demographic and health characteristics of a subgroup of these migrants seen at 2 US-based GeoSentinel clinics for protocol-based health assessments are described.