United States: In sewage samples from Gaza, poliovirus has been reported in high amounts; thereby, the health of thousands of those living in congested displaced camps is being put at stake, with the danger of catching the highly contagious disease, which could potentially cause several disformities and paralysis.
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According to the Gaza ministry, the tests are being carried out along with the UN children’s agency UNICEF, which “showed the presence of poliovirus” in the region, as the Guardian reported.
The area has been going through deadly Israeli military attacks since the occurrence of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Poliovirus type 2 detection
The health ministry of Israel reportedly announced the detection of poliovirus type two in sewage samples from Gaza tested in an Israeli laboratory.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) also found similar results in its tests.
The statement by the Gaza ministry stated, “The presence of poliovirus in wastewater that collects and flows between displacement camp tents and in inhabited areas because of the destruction of infrastructure marks a new health disaster,” as the Guardian reported.
It also pointed to the “severe overcrowding” and “scarce water” issues in the area, which has increasingly been contaminated with sewage and the accumulation of rubbish.
The ministry accused Israel of not letting the hygiene supplies into Gaza, which “creates a suitable environment for the spread of different diseases.”
It further added, “The detection of poliovirus in wastewater threatens a real health disaster and places thousands of people at risk of contracting polio.”
Efforts by agencies against polio
The UN agencies have been campaigning against polio for the past four cases. The agency said the disease will most likely spread from sewage and contaminated water.
The agency also noted that the resurgence of the disease had been noticed in several countries in recent years, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some regions of Nigeria, as the Guardian reported.
A statement from Israel’s health ministry mentioned that the samples raise concerns about the presence of the virus in this region”.
Furthermore, the health authorities of Israel were “monitoring and evaluating necessary steps to prevent the risk of disease in Israel.”