The Ministry of Public Health reported that "it received notifications on December 5 regarding illness cases recorded since November 30 in the town of Jahliya in the Chouf district." The statement added: "Consequently, epidemiological monitoring initiated an investigation. To date, 23 cases have been recorded, with symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and facial swelling."
The ministry noted that "in follow-up to the investigation into the causes, inspections were conducted on the two butcher shops within the town, with samples collected and sent to the Agricultural Research Institute laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture. Water safety in the town is also being evaluated with water samples collected for laboratory testing."
It revealed that "the scientific results of the laboratory tests will be announced as soon as they are completed to clarify the causes of the recorded cases and prevent further occurrences."
**Strong Stance from the Mayor**
Mayor Amin Abu Diab confirmed that more than twenty cases were recorded within twenty-four hours, due to pollution in the Hammam River, which is the main drinking water source for the town, in light of what he described as the failure of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Establishment to purify the water adequately, due to the shutdown of its plant in the neighboring town of Anbal.
Regarding the health symptoms experienced by the patients, Abu Diab stated that they range from diarrhea and vomiting to swelling in various parts of the body. He pointed out that the Ministry of Health has been informed, which in turn conducted laboratory tests on the water to determine the nature of the bacteria and how to address it.
Abu Diab urged residents to "take responsibility for protecting themselves by adding chlorine to the water as a temporary interim measure until the issue is resolved comprehensively." He indicated that the number of infected individuals is continuously increasing, calling on the relevant authorities to intervene quickly to stop the spread of this bacteria before it affects more citizens.
**Wiam Wahhab's Position**
Former Minister Wiam Wahhab revealed via the platform "X" about "significant pollution in the Hammam River of Jahliya-Damour caused by malfunctioning treatment plants and more than twenty infections in the Baaqline Hospital due to contaminated water use. We have filed complaints for months, and no one has taken action. If state agencies do not act, we will prevent encroachments on the river by our own means because the crime is severe."
