Tuberculosis in Ethiopian immigrants

Abstract

The arrival in Israel of large numbers of immigrants from Ethiopia where there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis led to concern about the possibility of an increased incidence in Israel. A special screening and treatment program was instituted under the direction of the Ministry of Health together with surveillance of the epidemiological situation. During the 9-year period 1980-88, 394 cases of active tuberculosis (all forms) in these immigrants were notified, with a prevalence rate of 1.9/100. In 80% of the cases the disease was respiratory. Most cases were detected and treated soon after arrival and some within 2 years. There was no appreciable increase in the incidence rate in the population of the host country, 4.5/100,000 in 1988, which is one of the lowest in the world.