Most European countries are facing a continuous increased influx of asylum seekers. Poor living conditions in crowded shelters and refugee camps increase the risk for - outbreaks of - infectious diseases in this vulnerable population. In line with ECDC recommendations, we aim to improve information on infectious diseases among asylum seekers by establishing a new syndromic surveillance system in the Netherlands. This system will complement the notifiable disease system for infectious diseases.The aim of the syndromic surveillance system is to improve the detecting of outbreaks of infectious diseases in asylum seekers’ centres in an early stage of development to be able to take adequate and timely measures to prevent further spread, and to collect information on the burden of infection within this population.
Objective
Facing challenges to establish a new national syndromic surveillance system in the Netherlands for infectious diseases among asylum seekers.