Import van infectieziekten uit Oost-Europa

The transmission of tuberculosis through migrant workers from Eastern Europe is limited and does not constitute a public health threat to the Netherlands.

It is unclear how often STDs (including HIV) are transmitted from immigrants to the Dutch population.

Although viral hepatitis B and C infection is more common in immigrants from Eastern Europe than in the indigenous Dutch population, transmission does not seem to be a major problem, although many infected Eastern European immigrants may eventually call on the Dutch health care system due to liver complications.

Special attention is needed for marginalised groups from Eastern Europe, such as prostitutes and injecting drug users.

To identify the threat of infectious disease from Eastern Europe in a timely manner good surveillance at national and European level is essential.