First Case Of Cholera In Lebanon In 30 Years

This evening, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health revealed that it had recorded the first case of cholera in nearly three decades, with the last outbreak having taken place back in 1993.

Minister of Health in Lebanon’s caretaker government Dr. Firas Abiad revealed that the infected individual is in the Northern area of Akkar. The patient is reportedly receiving treatment and is stable.

Syria has struggled to contain a cholera outbreak as of late, recording 39 deaths and 594 cases in just under a month.

Cholera is a bacterial disease that is caused by ingesting contaminated water or food. The primary symptoms of infection are severe diarrhea and dehydration. Despite the fact that many infected individuals do not develop any symptoms, the bacteria is still present in their feces and is then shed back into the environment which poses a threat of infecting others. Most cases of cholera are treated through hydration and antibiotics.

The primary mode of prevention is through ensuring safe water supplies and sanitary conditions.