Magnitude ofGiardiacases among refugees, adoptees and immigrants in Monroe County, New York, 2003-2013

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the morbidity ofGiardiain Monroe County, New York attributed to refugees, foreign adoptees and immigrants, and to examine factors related to asymptomaticGiardiainfection.Design/methodology/approachA retrospective epidemiological analysis was conducted ofGiardiacase investigations submitted to the New York State Department of Health on the Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System, between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2013 from Monroe County Department of Public Health. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess odds for asymptomaticGiardia.FindingsOf the 1,221Giardiacases reported in Monroe County during that time, 38 percent (n=467) were refugees, 6 percent (n=77) were foreign adoptees and 1.4 percent (n=17) were immigrants. In total, 95 percent of the refugees and 89 percent of the adoptees/immigrants were asymptomatic, compared to 15 percent of the non-refugee/adoptee/immigrant cases. Unadjusted odds for asymptomatic infection were 113.4 (95 percent CI: 70.6-183.7) for refugees, and 45.6 (95 percent CI: 22.9-91) for adoptees/immigrants.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the importance of routine screening forGiardiaduring refugees’ initial health assessment.