More than a million displaced people in Lebanon, some of whom live together in very small spaces: This is a breeding ground for infectious diseases. The first case of cholera puts the WHO on alert.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is alarmed after the first reported case of cholera in the current crisis in Lebanon. She reported in Geneva that she was working hard to prevent a major cholera outbreak. The Lebanese health authorities confirmed a first case this week.
Cholera is a diarrheal disease. It spreads through water that is contaminated by feces, for example. The risk of an outbreak always exists when many people have to live together under inadequately hygienic conditions.
In Lebanon, more than a million people have been displaced by Israeli attacks in the fight against the Hezbollah militia in recent weeks. Many live in cramped quarters in emergency shelters or in the open air and have no access to clean water.
Cholera broke out in Lebanon for the first time in more than 30 years in October 2022. More than 8,000 suspected cases were counted and 23 people died before the outbreak ended in June 2023. The disease is particularly life-threatening for small children.
Among other things, people are now being tested and water samples are being examined. With partner organizations, WHO is trying to provide more clean drinking water and improve sanitation. In addition, medical materials for the treatment of cholera infected people have already been brought into the country. A vaccination campaign against cholera had been underway since the beginning of August, but was interrupted by the escalation of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.
