2 new cholera deaths in 24 hours, no additional cases

BEIRUT — Two more people have died of cholera in Lebanon, according to the Ministry of Health's report published on Monday evening, bringing the total number of deaths to 22.

In the same 24-hour window, no new cases were recorded. Lebanon recorded 652 confirmed cholera cases since the outbreak was first detected on Oct. 5. 

Meanwhile, 2,770 people were vaccinated against cholera on Sunday, bringing the total number of vaccinated to 479,688, the report added.

Health Minister Firass Abiad said in late November that the number of people vaccinated so far "is higher than the number that should be reached during this phase." The vaccination campaign is expected to reach about 600,000 people in total.

Lebanon is suffering from its first cholera outbreak since 1993. Cholera is usually caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, often present in feces.

Infected people may suffer acute diarrhea, but the illness can also be asymptomatic.