Human rabies control in Lebanon: a call for action.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease, posing significant challenges to eradication globally, even with effective vaccines.
• Lebanon has a long history of endemic rabies, with numerous deaths reported over the last three decades.
• Recent geopolitical (Syrian war) and environmental (garbage crisis) events in Lebanon have exacerbated rabies control challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the Syrian war and the local garbage crisis on rabies transmission dynamics in Lebanon.
• To update the current status of rabies, a preventable yet neglected disease, within the country.
• To propose evidence-based recommendations for rabies control in Lebanon.

Main Methods:

• Observational study design to analyze the effects of the identified events.
• Data collection through interviews with veterinarians to assess current regulations and practices.
• Analysis of trends in dog bites and potential rabies exposures.

Main Results:

• Both the Syrian war and the garbage crisis were found to coincide with a significant increase in dog bites.
• The identified events appear to have contributed to an increased number of disease vectors and at-risk individuals.
• Current rabies control regulations in Lebanon were reviewed.

Conclusions:

• The Syrian war and garbage crisis have negatively impacted rabies control efforts in Lebanon.
• Increased dog bites suggest a heightened risk of rabies exposure in the population.
• Policy recommendations include dog population control and targeted awareness campaigns for high-risk groups.