The Lebanese Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, said that there is an accelerated spread of the cholera epidemic in Lebanon, explaining that the vast majority of patients are among the displaced, with a noticeable increase in cases among Lebanese citizens.
The Minister of Health added - in a conference today, Wednesday, that polluted water is one of the main reasons for the spread of the epidemic, as the tests conducted by the Ministry of Health recorded many sources of polluted water, including what is used in some camps or homes, noting that water pollution was recorded in springs, including The Rihaniya spring in northern Lebanon and the Ain Faour spring in Benin.
He explained that the use of contaminated vegetables also contributes to the spread of the epidemic, stressing that it has been proven by the Ministry of Health that there is contaminated water used to irrigate vegetables, including the Benin River in Akkar, stressing that contact leads to infection if the patient does not sterilize his hands well.
He confirmed the multiplicity of causes of death due to cholera (which have reached 5 deaths so far out of 169 injuries), noting that the most prominent reasons are the delay of the injured to go to the hospital despite suffering from pathological symptoms, pointing to the arrival of the epidemic to new areas, including Zgharta, Zahle and Hawsh al-Omara, He explained that there are 33 cases in hospitals, some of them are confirmed and others are awaiting results, and there are six cases in intensive care.
The Minister of Public Health focused on "the need to secure clean water as a key factor that helps limit the spread of the epidemic," explaining that UNICEF has provided about 100,000 pounds of mazut to be used in operating water pumping stations in the North, North Bekaa, Bekaa and some water treatment plants. The stations were suspended due to a power outage across the country for nearly two months.
Dr. Firas Al-Abyad believes that the stagnation of water for long periods in water stations as a result of the long power outage at the stations may expose them to pollution, which may contribute to spreading diseases when pumped back to users.
He also stressed the need to secure electric power for pumping stations to secure clean water, because the stations mainly feed large and medium cities, and it is very important to limit the spread of the epidemic in these areas.

Source: Middle East News Agency