Hepatitis Outbreak: From Akkar to Beqaa

Professor Jack Makhbat clarified that the hepatitis A virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water via the feces of infected individuals, which pollutes groundwater and food. In a conversation with Voice of Lebanon, Makhbat confirmed that cases have spread from Akkar to Beqaa, reminding that vaccines are available at the Ministry of Health and that they have reduced infections. Makhbat mentioned that several factors are causing the outbreak, primarily the deterioration of environmental conditions, infrastructure, and sewage systems, along with the arrival of unvaccinated Syrian refugees residing in areas that do not meet adequate health standards. Regarding preventive measures, Makhbat stated that strict sanitation of vegetables and food is required, as well as ensuring safe drinking water sources. He revealed that the vaccine protects both adults and children, emphasizing that vaccines alone are not sufficient and calling for fundamental solutions to the problems of sewage and pollution across all Lebanese territories.