The poliovirus has been discovered in sewage samples from Gaza, posing a serious health risk to thousands of people living in crowded displaced persons’ camps. The presence of the highly infectious disease has been confirmed by tests conducted by the Gaza ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. The Israeli health ministry has also detected poliovirus type 2 in Gaza sewage samples tested in their laboratory, a finding consistent with that of the World Health Organization. The Gaza ministry has expressed concern over the poor living conditions in the territory, such as severe overcrowding, scarce water supply, and contaminated sewage due to the destruction of infrastructure. They have blamed Israel’s restrictions on hygiene supplies for creating a breeding ground for diseases.
The ministry has warned that the detection of poliovirus in wastewater could lead to a significant health crisis, putting thousands at risk of contracting polio. They have called for an end to the Israeli offensive to allow for the delivery of safe water and the restart of sewage treatment. The shutdown of wastewater treatment stations in central Gaza due to fuel shortages has raised further concerns about the spread of sewage-borne diseases. Israeli health authorities have acknowledged the potential risk of disease in the region and are evaluating steps to prevent it. With efforts to eradicate polio facing setbacks in recent years, urgent action is needed to prevent the spread of the disease in Gaza and neighboring regions.
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