Symbolic illustration of health risks in detention centers.

Hidden Threats: Why Detained Migrants Face a Health Crisis You've Never Heard Of

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the alarming rates of parasitic and viral coinfections among detained migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, and why it demands immediate action."

Imagine being uprooted from your home, facing uncertainty in a new land, and then finding yourself behind bars. Now, add a hidden layer to this already difficult situation: the increased risk of parasitic and viral infections. For many detained migrants, this is a harsh reality, one that often goes unnoticed and untreated.

A recent study sheds light on this critical issue, revealing alarmingly high rates of coinfections – the presence of multiple infections at once – among detained migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America (LA). These aren't just any infections; they're often persistent parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, combined with viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV).

Why is this happening? Migrants from these regions may carry these infections with them, and the conditions in detention centers can exacerbate the problem. Limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and lack of awareness all contribute to a perfect storm where these diseases thrive. This isn't just a health issue; it's a human rights crisis that demands our attention.

What Infections Are Lurking Undetected?

Symbolic illustration of health risks in detention centers.

The study, conducted in a Swiss pretrial prison, paints a concerning picture. Researchers screened 201 participants, primarily from SSA (85.6%) and LA (14.4%), and uncovered significant prevalence rates of several infections:

The team found multiple infections in a single person are more common than we expected. For instance, nearly 5% of people from Sub-Saharan Africa who were tested had both schistosomiasis and chronic HBV. There are other combinations that also showed up like Schistosomiasis with HIV, HIV with chronic HBV, HIV with HCV, and Schistosomiasis with Strongyloidiasis.

HIV: 3.5% (4.1% in SSA, 0% in LA)
Chronic HBV: 12.4% (14.5% in SSA, 0% in LA)
Viraemic HCV: 2.0% (1.7% in SSA, 3.4% in LA)
Strongyloidiasis: 8.0% (8.1% in SSA, 6.9% in LA)
Schistosomiasis: 20.3% in SSA (not endemic in Latin America)

These numbers are far from just statistics. They represent real people, many of whom are unaware of their conditions and the potential health risks they face. What's even more alarming is that a significant percentage of those infected were unaware of their status: 42.9% of HIV-positive individuals, 52% with chronic HBV, and a staggering 75% with HCV were undiagnosed. This lack of awareness underscores the urgent need for increased screening and awareness programs within detention settings.

A Call to Action: What Can Be Done?

The study's findings highlight a critical gap in our approach to migrant health and detention center management. It's time to move beyond simply acknowledging the problem and implement concrete strategies to address it. This includes routine screening for parasitic and viral infections, access to appropriate medical care and treatment, and educational programs to raise awareness among detainees and staff. By prioritizing the health and well-being of this vulnerable population, we can uphold human rights, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and create a more just and equitable society for all.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are the main health challenges faced by detained migrants, according to the study?

The study highlights a significant risk of parasitic and viral coinfections among detained migrants, particularly those from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America (LA). Key infections identified include HIV, chronic HBV, viraemic HCV, Strongyloidiasis, and Schistosomiasis. The study emphasizes that the presence of multiple infections in a single person, such as Schistosomiasis with chronic HBV or HIV with HCV, is a major concern. These findings expose a critical health crisis exacerbated by conditions within detention centers, including limited healthcare access and poor sanitation, making detained migrants highly vulnerable to these diseases.

What is the significance of the high rates of undiagnosed infections among detained migrants?

The high rates of undiagnosed infections, particularly for diseases like HIV, chronic HBV, and HCV, underscore a serious public health issue. The study reveals that a significant percentage of infected individuals were unaware of their status. For example, 42.9% of HIV-positive individuals, 52% with chronic HBV, and a staggering 75% with HCV were undiagnosed. This lack of awareness not only endangers the individuals themselves, leading to untreated health conditions, but also increases the risk of transmission within the detention environment and potentially beyond. It highlights a critical need for increased screening and awareness programs to identify and manage these infections effectively.

How do the conditions in detention centers contribute to the spread of infections among migrants?

Detention centers create a high-risk environment that facilitates the spread of parasitic and viral infections. The study points to several factors: limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and a general lack of awareness about these diseases. Overcrowding, inadequate hygiene practices, and the stress associated with detention can weaken immune systems, making migrants more susceptible to infection. These conditions create a 'perfect storm,' where diseases like Schistosomiasis, Strongyloidiasis, HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) can thrive and spread rapidly among the detained population.

What specific infections were prevalent among migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America (LA), as identified in the study?

The study revealed significant prevalence rates of various infections among detained migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America (LA). Key findings include: HIV (3.5%), chronic HBV (12.4%), viraemic HCV (2.0%), Strongyloidiasis (8.0%), and Schistosomiasis (20.3% in SSA, not endemic in Latin America). The prevalence rates for coinfections, such as Schistosomiasis with chronic HBV or HIV with HCV, were also notably high, indicating a complex health burden for these populations. The disparities in infection rates between the two regions also highlight the diverse health challenges faced by migrants based on their origin.

What actions are recommended to address the health crisis faced by detained migrants?

The study calls for immediate action to address the health crisis among detained migrants, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. This includes routine screening for parasitic and viral infections, ensuring access to appropriate medical care and treatment for those infected, and implementing educational programs to raise awareness among detainees and staff. Prioritizing the health and well-being of this vulnerable population is crucial to uphold human rights, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and foster a more equitable society. The call to action underscores the necessity of moving beyond simply acknowledging the problem and implementing concrete strategies to improve migrant health within detention settings.