BEIRUT – Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Wednesday cases of scabies and lice have increased among Syrian refugees and urged citizens to take precautionary measures.

“The Health Ministry has recorded an increase in the number of scabies and lice cases, as a result of overpopulation and bad personal hygiene in locations where Syrian refugees reside,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry affirmed that these diseases were “not dangerous” and could be treated easily with medication that is available without any cost for citizens.

“The ministry asks citizens to take precautionary measures by maintaining personal hygiene, not share clothing and underwear or personal equipment. (Citizens should) wash clothes, covers and towels with soap or boil them, and it is best if they are ironed or exposed to the sun,” the statement noted.

There are some 400,000 Syrian refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the agency reported last month, while aide groups project the number to reach 500,000 by the summer.

Government officials estimate there are between 200,000 and 500,000 more refugees without aid.

– The Daily Star