The Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Copenhagen answered some questions about the potential of diseases and infections that refugees might bring. As they said, there is no reason to be worried.
One of the first concerns, or even prejudices, of our citizens when it comes to the mention of refugees are infections and diseases which they might be exposed to, in case of the influx of refugees. Mostly due to the lack of basic medical, hygienic and sanitary supplies.
WHO believes that despite the common perception that there is a link between migration and import of infectious diseases, systematic connection does not exist.
“Infectious diseases are mostly associated with poverty. Refugees and immigrants are exposed mainly to the infectious diseases that are common in Europe, regardless of the migration. The risk of exotic infectious agents, such as Ebola virus or the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – coronavirus (MERS-CoV ) to be imported into Europe is very small,” as announced from the World Health Organization.
Also, citizens of our country are often considering that refugees will not be able to adapt to the conditions in B&H, considering the exotic places and different climatic conditions from which they are coming from.
“Refugees and immigrants have similar health problems as the resident population of the European region, but the conditions under which they travel may worsen acute health condition or cause life-threatening worsening of general health in people with chronic health conditions.
Most common health issues among refugees and immigrants are including injuries, burns, psychological trauma and diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure / hypertension, which are often worsened due to interrupted treatment.
(Source: klix.ba)
