What disease is included in the list of infectious diseases to screen for in immigrants from high-risk regions?

The focus of screening immigrants from high-risk regions typically includes infectious diseases that have a significant impact on public health and can affect both the individual and the community. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is transmitted through blood. It is a noteworthy concern due to the chronic nature of the infection, which can lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Screening for Hepatitis C is crucial because many individuals may be asymptomatic for years, and early detection can lead to effective management and treatment, reducing the risk of transmission to others. Public health initiatives often emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing such infections in populations that may have a higher prevalence due to regional characteristics.

While malaria, measles, and HPV are all significant in their own right, screening protocols prioritize those infections that pose a higher risk in newly arriving populations and those that have established guidelines for management in public health settings. Hepatitis C stands out in this context as a key disease to screen for due to its implications for both individual health and broader public health outcomes.