At least 26 cases were reported in Lebanon this month, possibly the result of a severe outbreak in neighboring Syria.
Lebanon has recorded its first death from cholera since the outbreak was detected in October in the country, the Health Ministry said.
Lebanon recorded it First case of cholera since 1993 on October 5, most likely the result of a severe outbreak in neighboring Syria across the border between the two countries and exacerbated by poor sanitation and dilapidated infrastructure in Lebanon after three years of unprecedented economic crisis.
The total number of infections recorded this month so far has reached 26, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
“The commonality between these cases is that the majority of the patients are displaced Syrians,” said Health Minister Firas Abiad.
“The absence of basic services, such as safe water supply and drainage networks, in places where refugees are concentrated, creates fertile ground for the spread of disease in Lebanon.”
Syria has Be recorded The country’s official SANA news agency reported on Tuesday there were 41 deaths from cholera and more than 700 cases of the disease.
United Nations warning earlier this month that the outbreak was “progressing alarmingly”.
Lebanon hosts more than a million refugees from Syria’s civil war, which broke out in 2011.
Most live in poverty, and their living conditions are getting worse and worse due to Lebanon’s economic difficulties.
Cholera is usually transmitted from contaminated food or water, causing diarrhea and vomiting. It can spread in residential areas that lack a proper sewage network or a source of potable water.
According to the World Health Organization, cholera can be fatal within hours if left untreated, but many of those infected will have no or mild symptoms.
It can be easily treated with oral rehydration solutions, but more severe cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics, according to the WHO.
Worldwide, the disease affects between 1.3 million and four million people each year, killing between 21,000 and 143,000.
