Digital Survey-based Tracing of COVID-19 Over the Early Pandemic: A Comprehensive Geospatial and Symptomatic Analysis in Lebanon

Abstract Background Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, an application utilizing Geographic Information Systems technology was launched to monitor the virus's spread in Lebanon. Initiated in response to the first reported case, this initiative tracked infection levels, evaluated public health measures, and explored the interaction between the virus's spread and demographic factors. Methods The application relied heavily on survey data gathered from users, enabling a crowd-sourced approach to trace the virus spread during the early stages of the pandemic. The accuracy of this approach can now be evaluated by comparing the application results to well-documented global trends observed during the same period. Results Data from approximately 11,000 individuals revealed critical trends in the virus's spread, including the disproportionate impact on specific demographics and the effectiveness of public health interventions. Statistical analysis confirmed the increased risk posed by certain behaviors and conditions. Our study corroborates global findings regarding early COVID-19 characteristics, particularly the significance of taste and smell loss as key symptoms, and highlights the impact of demographic factors on disease spread. Conclusions This study demonstrates the integration of digital solutions with epidemiological methods. The knowledge gained illustrates the practical application of digital health technologies in managing public health crises and provides a framework for addressing future challenges.