The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that cholera, a disease of the 19th century, may be making a comeback again after years of decline and climate change is one of reasons for the spread of cholera recently.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, revealed during a press conference on the region’s situation regarding the cholera outbreak, that after decades without a single case of cholera, the outbreak that was recently announced in Lebanon and Syria came to indicate an ominous return of cholera in these two countries. The return is in a worsening pattern across the Region and the world.
He added that globally, there are currently 29 cholera outbreaks, the highest number recorded in history, and cholera can be transmitted from one country to another, so the current outbreaks expose neighboring countries to an increased risk and emphasize the need to control cholera urgently, and this is an alarm bell for all of us.
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The Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean added: 8 out of 22 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are suffering, due to the conditions the region is going through and the weak lines And water and sanitation networks, and the spread of drought, which limits the spread of clean water, cholera spreads in low-income countries.
according to the WHO Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, Typical at-risk areas include peri-urban slums, and camps for internally displaced persons or refugees, illustrated that cholera transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people, it can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated.
World Health Organization indicated that There is another factor that has contributed to the resurgence of cholera, climate change that is evident in extreme weather conditions, such as floods, droughts and cyclones, that struck several countries, Droughts that are increasing in prevalence throughout our region limit the availability of clean water and create an ideal environment for the spread of cholera.
Cholera can be treated Vaccination although it is not the only way to prevent cholera, clean water, clean food and a clean environment are the most important ways to prevent the disease
Dr. Abdel Nasser Abu Bakr, representative of the World Health Organization in Lebanon, declared that pregnant women, children and people with weak immunity are more susceptible to infection, and personal hygiene methods are an essential way to prevent cholera, explaining that water should be drunk through bottles, and if not They can buy it, The water can be boiled so that it is clean.
Dr. Mohamed Awad Taj El-Din, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Health Affairs, denied the existence of any cholera infection in Egypt, pointing out that it is present in places around the world, including what is in the Middle East.

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Written by shahd hany abd alaziz