As of May 18, 2023, the cholera epidemic in Lebanon has been responsible for a total of 7,783 suspected cases, including 23 deaths. Although the epidemic has significantly subsided since December 2022, public health actors should continue to focus on controlling the few ongoing outbreaks and remain vigilant regarding cross-border transmission from neighboring Syria.
The ongoing cholera epidemic in Lebanon started on October 6, 2022 (1) following likely cross-border transmission from Syria.
As of May 18, 2023, a total of 7,783 suspected cholera cases, including 23 deaths, have been recorded (0.3 % case fatality). All governorates have reported cases since the beginning of the epidemic. The districts with the highest cumulative attack rates include those in the north and northwest (Akkar, Minieh-Danieh, Tripoli, Baalbeck and Zahleh). Overall, females represent 53 % of cases, and the most-affected age groups are 0 to 4-year-olds (31 %) followed by 5 to 14-year-olds (23 %) (2).
Since December 2022, the epidemic has significantly subsided with only 10 suspected cases reported on May 17 (2). Over the past month, cases were concentrated in the three most northern governorates (Akkar, North and Baalbak – Hermel) (2). Public health actors should continue to focus on controlling the few ongoing outbreaks and remain vigilant regarding cross-border transmission from neighboring Syria.
REFERENCES
1. UNICEF. UNICEF Lebanon Cholera Situation Report #1 - Period Covered: 6 - 14 October 2022 [Internet]. 2022 Oct. Available from: https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/unicef-lebanon-cholera-situation-report-1-period-covered-6-14-october-2022
2. Lebanon Ministry of Public Health. Cholera Surveillance in Lebanon- 18/5/2023 [Internet]. 2023 May. Available from: https://www.moph.gov.lb/userfiles/images/Prevention/Communicable%20Diseases/Cholera-Surveillance-2022/18-5-2023.pdf