The Ministry of Public Health stated that "on April 23, 2024, it was informed by the municipality of Kamd al-Luz in the Western Bekaa district about an outbreak of Hepatitis A cases, with 40 cases recorded thus far by hospitals, health centers, and laboratories." The statement added, "As a result, a field test was conducted for the residual chlorine levels in the drinking water network and its sources in the town. The results showed that the required level of residual chlorine to combat germs was absent. Consequently, water samples were taken and sent to the Water Laboratory at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, and we are awaiting the results."
The Ministry of Health reminded citizens that "Hepatitis A is a disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (A). It is transmitted to humans through contaminated water, contaminated food, or unwashed hands, and the incubation period ranges from 28 to 30 days post-infection, with symptoms including fever and acute jaundice." The ministry emphasized the importance of "reminding citizens of the preventive measures against Hepatitis A, which include: water safety, water chlorination, food safety, and hand washing."
The Ministry continued by coordinating "with the municipality, the Ministry of Energy and Water, and water utilities to ensure proper functioning of chlorination and chlorination pumps to prevent the outbreak of Hepatitis A." In this context, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross, continued training "municipalities on monitoring residual chlorine levels through field testing (pool tester)."
