The former president of the Lebanese Society for Infectious Diseases and Bacterial Infections, Dr. Zahi Al-Helo, pointed out that "cholera spreads rapidly, so measures must be taken to prevent its spread, which has already begun in Akkar." He continued in a statement to "Voice of Lebanon": "Cholera is transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as through hands." He added that "cholera had been absent for a while, along with the vaccine for it, and this epidemic has recently appeared in Syria," noting that "the symptoms of the disease are severe diarrhea and high fever," stressing that "efforts must be made to contain cholera in the Akkar area to prevent its spread."
For his part, MP Abdul Rahman Al-Bizri indicated that "the spread of epidemics is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Health; those infected with cholera should take in fluids. We have identified 10 health centers to receive them, and there will be other centers in areas of spread." He added: "We must also treat the sewage waste of those infected and collect it to avoid mixing it with the sewage system and causing further pollution." He emphasized that the government should regulate entry points; we have 1,500 cases of viral hepatitis in Lebanon, and the responsibility is not only that of the ministry but a national public responsibility." He stressed that "there is no need to fear cholera, but there is a need for caution, and the state must work to prevent its spread."
