Communicable Disease Surveillance in Lebanon during the Syrian Humanitarian Crisis, 2013–2019

Abstract

Lebanon has been one of the most affected countries by the Syrian humanitarian crisis. The national communicable disease surveillance was enhanced to detect outbreaks among Syrians. In this study, we aim to describe the findings of the communicable disease surveillance among Syrians in Lebanon, compare it to residents’ data, and describe the implemented surveillance activities between 2013 and 2019. During the study period, data on communicable diseases was mainly collected through the routine national surveillance system and an enhanced syndromic surveillance system. Predefined case definitions and standard operating procedures were in place. Data collection included both case-based and disease-specific reporting forms. Descriptive data and incidence rates were generated. Information was disseminated through weekly reports. Activities were conducted in close collaboration with different partners. The most commonly reported diseases were: viral hepatitis A, cutaneous leishmaniasis, mumps, and measles. Hepatitis A incidence increased in 2013 and 2014 among Syrians as well as residents. For leishmaniasis, the incidence increased only among Syrians in 2013 and decreased after that. An outbreak of mumps was reported among Syrians between 2014 and 2016, with a peak in 2015 concomitant with a national outbreak. Outbreaks of measles were reported among Syrians and residents in 2013, 2018, and 2019. The infrastructure of the well-implemented surveillance system in Lebanon has been utilized to monitor the health status of Syrians in Lebanon, early detect communicable diseases among this population, and guide needed preventive and control measures. This highlights the importance of having a flexible surveillance system that can be adapted to emergencies and the importance of sharing results with involved partners.