Transmissible Dermatological Diseases Affecting Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

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. DOI: 10.18297/rgh/vol2/iss2/4 Submitted Date: March 7, 2019 Accepted Date: April 18 ,2019 Website: https://ir.library.louisville.edu/rgh Affiliations: 1American University of Beirut This original article is brought to you for free and open access by ThinkIR: The University of Louisville’s Institutional Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in the Journal of Refugee & Global Health by an authorized editor of ThinkIR. For more information, please contact thinkir@louisville.edu. Recommended Citation: Kawa, Nisrine; Hanna, Edith; and Bizri, Abdul Rahman (2019) “Transmissible Dermatological Diseases Affecting Syrian Refugees in Lebanon,” Journal of Refugee & Global Health: Vol. 2 : Iss. 2 , Article 4.