BEIRUT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon blames its poor infrastructure, which caused drinking water and sewage to mix, for the outbreak of Hepatitis A cases, the number of which increased to 590 on Thursday from 555 two days earlier.

       The country's Health Ministry said in a statement that it has begun to cooperate with local authorities to monitor the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and routine sterilization of water sources.

       In addition, the ministry is working with international organizations to promote public awareness on the prevention of the disease and water sterilization, the statement noted.

       On June 13, the Health Ministry reported 174 Hepatitis A cases in the northern part of the country and the Bekaa region. Since then, the number of Hepatitis A cases has been steadily rising.