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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

Lebanon Announces 3 New Cholera Cases, One Death

A suspected cholera patient receives treatment inside a field hospital in Bebnine, Akkar district, northern Lebanon October 28, 2022. (Reuters)

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that it has registered three new cholera cases in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 371.

It confirmed a new death from the infection, raising the toll to 16.

It released an infographic showing where the most infections have been reported.

Lebanon confirmed its first cholera infection since 1993 last month.

The disease had already spread in neighboring Syria.

The first case in Lebanon was a middle-aged Syrian refugee man living in the impoverished northern province of Akkar.

The developments take place as Lebanon's economy continues to spiral, plunging three-quarters of its population into poverty. Rampant power cuts, water shortages, and skyrocketing inflation have deteriorated living conditions for millions.

According to the WHO, a cholera infection is caused by consuming food or water infected with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, and while most cases are mild to moderate, not treating the illness could lead to death.

About 1 million Syrian refugees who fled their country’s war reside in Lebanon. Most live in extreme poverty in tented settlements or in overcrowded apartments.

Poverty has also deepened for many Lebanese, with many families often rationing water, unable to afford private water tanks for drinking and domestic use.

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