Discovery of Poliovirus
In July, Israeli health officials found poliovirus particles in Gaza's sewage.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started vaccinating soldiers against polio and anticipated a potential outbreak.
Gaza's Health Ministry declared a polio epidemic on July 29.
The extent of the polio infections is not yet clear.
The virus in Gaza is believed to be vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.
The spread in Gaza threatens global polio eradication efforts, which have been largely successful except in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The poliovirus may spread through contaminated water, exacerbating the risk in Gaza.
Raw sewage from damaged infrastructure is contaminating the environment, potentially contributing to the spread of the poliovirus.
Healthcare Challenges
As of May 2024, only about one-third of Gaza’s hospitals are operational.
Bombing and blockades have severely impacted access to medical care and facilities.
Gaza’s immunization rates dropped from 99% to 89% over the past year due to the conflict.
Overcrowded shelters and restricted access to medical care further hinder polio diagnosis and treatment
If not controlled, the outbreak could lead to a long-term health crisis affecting not just Gaza but potentially neighboring regions
Biological Warfare
The ongoing conflict and damage to infrastructure are creating conditions that could be likened to biological warfare, with severe impacts on public health.
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