Polio threatens Gaza as wastewater tests positive for virus
The polio virus has been detected in wastewater across six locations in Gaza, sparking fears of an outbreak.
The World Health Organization and local health ministries confirmed the presence of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in sewage samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.
Despite no current cases, the discovery has raised alarm about a potential health crisis.
Gaza’s health system already is strained, with fuel shortages hampering waste and wastewater management.
Pediatrician Tanya Haj-Hassan warns the situation could be catastrophic if the virus spreads, particularly among health care workers, as Gaza’s medical infrastructure is severely compromised.
Conditions in Gaza are ripe for disease transmission due to poor sanitation, limited medical supplies, and Israel’s war that has killed medical staff and bombed hospitals.
The WHO is collaborating with UN agencies to assess the situation and plan a vaccination campaign, but challenges persist due to the damaged healthcare system.
Dahlia Scheindlin, a Tel Aviv-based political analyst, called news of the presence of poliovirus absolutely shocking and stunning.
Gaza has been polio-free for 25 years and 95% of the population was vaccinated against the disease as of 2022, according to the WHO.
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