Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Apr 27, 2019
Date Accepted: Aug 25, 2019
Real-Time Surveillance for Infectious Diseases and other Health Conditions during Iraq “Arbaeenia” Mass Gathering
ABSTRACT
Background:
The importance of developing public health surveillance system in mass gatherings has been emphasized in many reports.
Objective:
This study aimed to describe the common illnesses and health conditions affecting people during the Arbaeenia mass gathering in Iraq in 2016.
Methods:
A total of 60 data collectors participated in the field data-collection over a period of 11 days during 12-22 November 2016. Data were collected from 20 health outlets along the major route from Najaf to Karbala (10 health facilities in each governorate). Two digitalized forms (Health Facility Survey and Case Survey) were used for data collection.
Results:
A total of 41,689 patients (33.3% males and 66.7% males) had attended the 20 health facilities over a period of 11 days between 12 Nov. 2016 and 22 Nov. 2016. More than three quarters of patients (77.5%) aged between 20 and 59 years. More than half of patients was mainly from Iraq (56.5%) and 38.9% were from Iran. Patients had attended the health facilities and presented with one or more conditions. Of a total 41,689 patients, 58.5% (n=24,398) had acute/ infectious conditions and symptoms, 33.1% (n=13,799) had chronic conditions, 23.9% (n=9,974) had traumas/injuries, 28.2% (n=11,762) had joint pain related to walking long distances, and 0.3% (n=133) had chronic dermatological conditions.
Conclusions:
The Arbaeenia mass gathering in 2016 exerted a high burden on the Iraq health system. Therefore, efforts and activities are needed before and during the event to ensure preparedness and proper management and control of different conditions.
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