The media office of the Ministry of Public Health issued the following statement: "The first case of cholera was recorded on October 5 in Lebanon's Akkar Governorate. The patient's condition is stable, and they are receiving treatment in the hospital. It is noteworthy that this is the first case in Lebanon since 1993 (the date of the last cholera outbreak).
A coordination meeting was held by the caretaker Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, with relevant partners, attended by representatives from international organizations, the Medical and Nursing Syndicates, the Lebanese Society for Infectious Diseases, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Energy and Water, the Disaster Management Unit in the Council of Ministers, and the Red Cross.
The Ministry of Health presented its preparedness and response plan for cholera, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in agreement with all healthcare partners. The plan includes the following:
- Enhancing the investigation of cases and their surroundings through field visits, examining water sources, and sewage networks, and testing them bacteriologically when necessary.
- Starting the monitoring of the cholera bacterium in sewage by collecting samples from all Lebanese governorates for bacterial culture.
- Issuing a circular to hospitals and health centers and health workers regarding case definitions.
- Securing an initial stock of serums and necessary medications in preparation for treating infections.
- Activating water testing laboratories in some public hospitals to enhance routine monitoring of drinking water.
- Collaborating with the Medical and Nursing Syndicates and the Lebanese Society for Infectious Diseases to organize training courses for healthcare workers on treating infected cases and methods for infection control, especially within health institutions.
- Coordinating with relevant ministries, particularly Energy and Water, Interior and Municipalities, and Environment, to provide safe water and monitor sewage.
An emergency cell with experts and specialists has been formed to respond to the cholera outbreak and monitor developments on a daily basis."
