Polio Virus Detected in Gaza Wastewater, Health Ministry Warns of "Health Catastrophe"
Gaza Strip, Palestine – The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has announced the detection of the polio virus in several wastewater samples, prompting concerns of a "health catastrophe" in the region.
According to a statement released by the ministry, tests conducted in coordination with UNICEF revealed the presence of the polio virus in wastewater samples. The ministry warned that the discovery of the disease in the wastewater flowing between refugee tents "forecasts a real health disaster" and puts thousands of inhabitants at risk of contracting the disease.
The discovery comes amid a dire situation in the Gaza Strip, where sewage pumping stations in Deir al-Balah have been shut down due to a lack of fuel. Stagnant sewage and the accumulation of rubbish and debris create an environment conducive to the spread of various epidemics, the ministry warned.
The Israeli Ministry of Health also confirmed the detection of the polio virus type 2 in wastewater samples from the Gaza region. This strain was considered eradicated in 1999, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
The samples were tested in an Israeli laboratory authorized by the WHO, raising concerns about the presence of the virus in the region. The Israeli Ministry of Health stated that it is monitoring the situation to prevent the risk of disease in Israel.
WHO Warns of Polio Outbreak in Gaza
Gaza Strip, Palestine – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a potential polio outbreak in the Gaza Strip following the detection of the polio virus in wastewater samples.