Cholera Update: 220 Cases, 5 Deaths

The spread of cholera has been on a steady rise in Lebanon since it was first detected on October 6th. 220 cases have been recorded over 15 days, and 51 of which were recorded in the last 48 hours alone.

Minister of Health Dr. Firas Abiad has stated that the infected include both Syrian refugees and Lebanese citizens. He added that the ministry’s review of the 5 deaths found that the infected died due to lack of medical care, urging anyone who suspects symptoms to report to public health authorities.

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— Madame Kanaan (@kanaan216) October 20, 2022

Abiad also noted that the Ministry of Health has located a source of contamination in a water source in the North that is used for irrigation. Cholera is a water-borne disease whose symptoms include intense diarrhea and dehydration.

The combination of increased pollution with an ailing health sector seems to be an ideal condition for a Cholera outbreak in the country. Local organizations, such as WHO, UNICEF, and AUB, have been working to supplement the government response. However, so far it seems that the spread has not been contained.