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Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Abstract

The Syrian war led many to seek shelter in Lebanon, creating a major refugee crisis. Displaced populations in crowded unequipped settlements are vulnerable to infectious diseases. The burden and incidence of various transmissible skin conditions affecting Syrian refugees in Lebanon and their impact on the Lebanese public health system were evaluated. Literature regarding these conditions among Syrian refugees in host countries, and epidemiological data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Surveillance Unit and primary health-care network were reviewed. Lebanon has witnessed skin disorder outbreaks associated with the Refugee crisis, mainly leishmaniasis, scabies and lice infestations with little data about bacterial and fungal infections and a minor surge in reports of Leprosy. Additional surveillance is needed to monitor disease prevalence, and the emergence of potential outbreaks. Preventive measures, early detection and treatment, improved living conditions, and coordination between the Lebanese health authorities and non-governmental organizations are essential for early intervention and management.

Funder

none

DOI

10.18297/rgh/vol2/iss2/4

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Figure 1_final.docx (966 kB)
Reported Leishmania Cases per year in Lebanon between 2002 and 2017 as collected by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health

Figure 2.jpg (10 kB)
Age Distribution of all individuals affected by Leishmania in Lebanon between 2002 and 2017 as per the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health

Figure 3.jpg (31 kB)
Map of Lebanon indicating number of registered refugees per governorate as per the United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees records; and total number of reported Leishmania cases between 2002 and 2017 (inclusive) as per the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health surveillance data

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