The Study of cholera bacterium types S in the waters of Midanki Lake and Afrin River in northern Syria

Vibrio cholerae is one of the most dangerous bacteria to human health. It causes cholera, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, circulatory failure, and muscle spasms. Without immediate treatment this leads to death. Reports from local organisations in Northern Syria indicate that cholera is one of the most prevalent diseases in the region, due to poor sanitation and access to clean water. This research aims to determine the levels and strains of cholera bacteria in the Afrin River and Midanki Lake, as well as to identify both causes and sources. This will have an important positive impact on our understanding of the epidemiology of this disease in the region and on efforts to address the causes, through improved sewage drainage and treatment systems, and public health education and awareness-raising programmes supporting disease prevention.