The Ministry of Health announced in a press release "cases of viral hepatitis which were notified on April 23, 2024 by the municipality of Kamed el-Laouz, in the district of western Bekaa, amounting to 40 cases to date".

It added that a field study has been conducted on the residual chlorine level in the village's drinking water network and its sources, indicating that water samples have been taken and sent to the water laboratory of the government hospital in Dahr al-Bachek, pending the publication of the results.

"We remind citizens that alpha viral hepatitis is a disease caused by the alpha-viral hepatitis A virus. It is transmitted to humans through contaminated water, contaminated food or contaminated hands, and the average incubation period extends from 28 to 30 days after infection, the symptoms include fever and severe jaundice", it explained, reminding citizens of the measures to prevent viral hepatitis, which are: water safety, water chlorination, food safety and hand washing.

The ministry indicated that it is following the case in coordination with the municipality, the Ministry of Energy and Water and the water authorities in order to ensure the proper functioning of the chlorination pumps to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis.