Epidemiological Profile of Communicable Diseases in Childhood within the Babylon Governorate, Iraq from 2017 to 2021

Abstract

Background: Notifiable communicable diseases are a significant public health issue in Iraq, particularly among children.

Aims: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the epidemiological profile of childhood communicable diseases in Babylon Governorate, Iraq, over the period 2017–2021

Methods and Material: Data from 11,925 cases of notifiable communicable diseases were collected from the health department in AL-Hilla City, Iraq, between 2017 and 2021. The data were analysed according to the mode of transmission, type of infection, and age and sex patterns.

Results: The majority of the reported communicable diseases (85.4%) were droplet and airborne infections, with pneumonia being the most frequently reported respiratory infection (76.8%). The reported cases of pertussis, viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis, chickenpox, and mumps showed a significant decrease during the study period, while the incidence of measles had two peaks in 2019 and 2020. Viral hepatitis A and typhoid fever were the most frequently reported foodborne infections. Kala-azar was the most common arthropod-borne infection, while brucellosis and rabies were the most common zoonotic infections. Pneumonia and meningitis affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more commonly than other age groups, while pertussis affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more frequently than other age groups, with a female predominance. Measles affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more commonly than older age groups, with a male predominance.

Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence and trends of notifiable communicable diseases among children in AL-Hilla City, Iraq, between 2017 and 2021. The findings highlight the need for improved surveillance and prevention measures.