The president of the Lebanese Medical Social Gathering, Professor Raef Rida, indicated that "cholera figures in Lebanon have exceeded 2,500 cases and affected 17 areas," urging the relevant authorities to "take action before the problem worsens." He considered that "cholera is more dangerous than COVID-19, and while vaccination is important, taking the necessary precautions and eliminating the cause of the disease, which is contaminated water mixed with sewage, is crucial."
He noted that "hepatitis or jaundice disease originated from the same area, i.e., the north, months ago, and we warned about it through the media. Its source is the pollution of water due to mixing with sewage water, as water tests showed the presence of feces, which is a source of disease transmission, including cholera." He held the Ministry of Health responsible.
Rida urged citizens to "take precautions and pay attention to the source of water, boiling it when in doubt or adding two drops of 5% concentrated chlorine that is not mixed with other substances per liter of water, or a teaspoon of 5% concentrated chlorine in every 20 liters of water, or a coffee cup of chlorine in a 1000-liter water tank, wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom, maintain personal hygiene, isolate the sick, avoid using or touching their belongings, and refrain from eating raw vegetables, fish, and shellfish."
He also called on municipalities to "monitor and repair dilapidated water pipeline networks in coordination with the official water institutions and activate community committees."
