Measles Outbreak in Lebanon: July 2023

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2024 Mar 25:18:e49. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2024.42.

Abstract

After the beginning of the Syrian crisis, increased rates of infectious diseases were reported. Lebanon, a neighboring country with a major socioeconomic crisis, witnessed a measles outbreak since July 2023, with 519 reported suspected cases. Half of the cases were under 5 y of age, most of them were unvaccinated. The mass displacement of refugees from conflict areas in Syria to Lebanon and the low vaccination coverage have made the situation more challenging. Further efforts are required in Lebanon to address identified gaps to prevent or at least better control future outbreaks.

Keywords: disaster medicine; disease outbreaks; emergency medicine; public health.

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Lebanon / epidemiology
  • Measles* / epidemiology
  • Measles* / prevention & control
  • Refugees*
  • Syria / epidemiology