An estimated 2.7-4.0 million persons in the United States are classified as migrant and seasonal farm workers.1 Despite a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and other conditions among migrant workers,2-4 approximately 13% have access to or receive care at federally funded migrant health clinics.5 During February-March 1992, to assess the prevalence of selected health conditions among migrant farm workers, the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (FDHRS) conducted a voluntary screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection, syphilis, and TB among workers living in 14 migrant camps in Immokalee, Florida. This report summarizes the results of the screening and describes disease-prevention efforts developed by FDHRS for migrant workers.
The period February-March 31 was chosen for screening because Florida's perishable crops are in season and the number of migrant workers peaks. Outreach workers went door-to-door in the camps encouraging workers aged >16 years to enroll and leaflets