Lebanon inspecting new suspected cases of cholera

7/10/2022 17:58

        Lebanon's health minister said on Friday that authorities are inspecting suspected cases of cholera, less than a day after the cash-strapped country confirmed its first case of the illness since 1993.
        
        The news came almost a month after an outbreak of the illness in neighboring war-torn Syria.
        
        Firas Abiad, Lebanon's caretaker health minister, said in a press conference that the first case was a middle-aged Syrian refugee man living in the impoverished northern province of Akkar, and confirmed a second case in the area.
        
        Abiad said, "There are several other suspected cases. Cholera is an illness that is easily transmissible."
        
        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.