The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm over the potential outbreak of the highly infectious polio virus in Gaza after traces were found in wastewater. Dr Ayadil Saparbekov, head of the WHO’s team in the Palestinian territories, expressed extreme concern and stated that a risk assessment is underway.
With a population of 2.3 million in Gaza, health workers are providing protection advice, but the breakdown of water and sanitation services makes it challenging for people to follow. Traces of polio were discovered in sewage samples from two sites in Gaza, indicating possible circulation of the virus.
While no paralytic cases have been reported, the Israeli military has started vaccinating its soldiers. The WHO and UNICEF believe a mass vaccination campaign may be necessary, but delays in aid delivery and security risks in Gaza pose significant challenges.
Polio spreads through contact with infected feces or respiratory droplets and can cause paralysis or death. Immunization rates in Gaza and the West Bank were optimal before the conflict, but the decimation of the health system has led to a decline in coverage.
The dire situation in Gaza, with limited access to safe water and sanitation, has raised concerns about a potential health catastrophe. The WHO emphasizes the need for a ceasefire to facilitate an effective response, while Israeli health experts stress the importance of vaccination for all residents in the region.
The urgency of the situation is clear, as the risk of a polio outbreak looms over Gaza. The international community must come together to address the health crisis and prevent further spread of the virus.
