The issue of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S. border has been a topic of intense debate and concern. A recent report has added a new dimension to this issue - the health implications associated with the influx of these minors, specifically, the risk of Tuberculosis (TB).
The report reveals that thousands of unaccompanied minors, who were found to have latent tuberculosis infection, were released from U.S. government custody over a year. These minors, all under the age of 18, were released to family members or other responsible adults across the United States.
Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. A person with latent tuberculosis infection, or an infection without symptoms, requires three to nine months of treatment to prevent potential progression to active disease. Without treatment, 5 to 10 percent of infected people will develop active tuberculosis, or tuberculosis disease, according to the CDC.
The report raises concerns about the potential public health implications of this situation. The minors typically do not receive treatment while in custody because most are released before one month elapses. This opens up the possibility of problems such as the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis if treatment is initiated and discontinued before completion.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a system that notifies state officials of unaccompanied minors with tuberculosis who have been sent to live in their states. Over a year, officials in 44 states received more than 2,450 alerts of unaccompanied minors with tuberculosis.
The situation underscores the complex intersection of immigration policy and public health. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that address both the humanitarian aspects of immigration and the potential health implications. As the U.S. continues to grapple with these issues, it is crucial to ensure that public health considerations are integral to the policy-making process.