Cholera is spreading rapidly in Lebanon, the country's health ministry has warned as two more deaths and 80 more cases were reported in 48 hours.
It brings the death toll to five and total cases to 169 since the country's first cholera outbreak in 30 years surfaced in early October.
Lebanon's caretaker Health Minister Firass Abiad on Wednesday warned of a “fast spread of the disease”.
While the majority of cases have been recorded among Syrian refugees — particularly in Lebanon's impoverished Akkar region that borders Syria — Lebanese are increasingly contracting the disease too, Dr Abiad said.
Contaminated water used to irrigate crops in northern Lebanon is partly to blame for the spread. So too is an inadequate electricity supply to the country's water treatment plants.
Dr Abiad said there were plans for a field hospital in Arsal, in north-eastern Lebanon, where medical supplies could be distributed.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can be treated with oral rehydration solution but is deadly if left untreated, according to the World Health Organisation.
The disease has surged in recent months in neighbouring Syria, with at least 68 deaths and more than 15,800 suspected cases reported.
Health officials believe the outbreak in Lebanon could be linked to Syria, which has been devastated by more than a decade of conflict.
Lebanon itself is undergoing a severe economic collapse, with serious shortages in clean water, electricity, medicines and other basic essentials.
The country is home to more than a million Syrian refugees, who typically live in grim, unhygienic conditions that are ripe for cholera to spread.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
How they line up for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix
1 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2 Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
3 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
4 Max Verstappen, Red Bull
5 Kevin Magnussen, Haas
6 Romain Grosjean, Haas
7 Nico Hulkenberg, Renault
*8 Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
9 Carlos Sainz, Renault
10 Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
11 Fernando Alonso, McLaren
12 Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren
13 Sergio Perez, Force India
14 Lance Stroll, Williams
15 Esteban Ocon, Force India
16 Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso
17 Marcus Ericsson, Sauber
18 Charles Leclerc, Sauber
19 Sergey Sirotkin, Williams
20 Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso
* Daniel Ricciardo qualified fifth but had a three-place grid penalty for speeding in red flag conditions during practice
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
