Palestinian health ministry declares “polio epidemic” in Gaza

Gaza’s health ministry has declared a polio epidemic in the coastal enclave after samples of the highly infectious virus were found in sewage, exacerbating an already severe health emergency due to the ongoing Israeli military offensive.

The situation “poses a health threat to the residents of Gaza and neighbouring countries,” the ministry said in a statement on Telegram.

Poliomyelitis is a deadly virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route and can enter the nervous system, causing paralysis.

Due to the mass vaccination campaigns, polio cases have dropped by 99% worldwide, although efforts to completely eradicate the virus continue in some regions.

The health ministry stated that the emergence of polio in Gaza is a “setback” to the global polio eradication program.

They demanded an end to the Israeli military assault to allow Palestinians access to clean water and sanitation facilities, the removal of rubble, and an overhaul of the sewage system.

The poliovirus type 2 was identified in the wastewater flowing between the tents of the displaced, according to Gaza authorities in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Due to the lack of clean water and the spread of infections in unsanitary conditions, drinking water is also feared to be contaminated by the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Friday that more than one million polio vaccines would be sent to Gaza in the next few days to protect children from the poliovirus found in the sewage.

The Israeli occupation army also admitted the spread of the poliovirus and stated it would administer polio vaccines to soldiers in Gaza.

The UN reported that the extremely unsanitary conditions have led to outbreaks of polio, hepatitis A, dysentery, and gastroenteritis among the population.

Pollution and a lack of proper healthcare are also causing a surge in skin infections among children.

With more than 80% of Gaza declared as no-go zones, Palestinians, including the sick and wounded, are desperately seeking shelter in safer areas and living in makeshift camps with a lack of bathrooms and sanitation facilities.

The absence of adequate facilities due to Israeli military assault is rapidly turning the Gaza Strip into a breeding ground for infectious diseases.