Infectious Diseases in the Context of the War in Ukraine: Refugee Health Implications in Romania

TL;DR

This study examines the health challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in Romania, focusing on infectious diseases and the impact of displacement on their health.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the specific infectious disease patterns and comorbidities among Ukrainian refugees accessing healthcare in Romania.

Findings

Influenza was the most common infectious disease in children, while SARS-CoV-2 was most common in adults.

Anemia and dehydration were frequent comorbidities in children, while adults had conditions like COPD and hypertension.

Romania is addressing refugee health through vaccination, screening, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

Abstract

Background: Refugees often face major health challenges owing to displacement, poor living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and the psychological toll of forced migration. Access to healthcare has been a major concern because of disrupted medical services, pre-existing health conditions, and integration challenges in host countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of infectious diseases on refugees in the context of the war in Ukraine by analyzing data from patients who accessed health services from a county hospital. Methods: We analyzed the data of Ukrainian refugees who presented for an infectious disease between February 2022 and March 2025 in the largest hospital unit in Romania located immediately near the border with Ukraine. Results: A total of 2052 refugee patients of Ukrainian nationality presented to the Emergency Reception Unit of “St. Ioan cel Nou Suceava” for consultations; 672 patients required an evaluation by an infectious disease specialist and 48 were hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Diseases. The most common disease encountered in children was influenza, whereas the most common disease in adults was SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most frequently encountered comorbidities in pediatric patients were anemia (26.9%) and dehydration syndrome (46.2%). In adults, comorbidities included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18.2%), hypertension (13.6%), chronic coronary disease (4.5%), diabetes (9.1%), and chronic hepatitis (4.5%). Patients were treated with antivirals, rehydration solutions or only symptomatic treatment. Conclusions: Romania is implementing public health measures to address these challenges, focusing on vaccination and disease screening, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services. These services include access to primary care physicians, specialist consultations, hospitalization, and essential medications.

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