The virus responsible for causing polio has been discovered in the Gaza Strip, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The virus was found in six areas at the end of June, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said on Friday.

It said, “It is important to emphasise that the virus has only been isolated from the environment. No associated infections are known at this time, and no associated cases of paralysis have been recorded.”

The organisation said it is working with local authorities to conduct a risk assessment; one possible response would be an immediate vaccination campaign.

In view of the destruction of many health facilities in Gaza, the already precarious situation of the population and the difficult hygienic conditions, the chances that diseases can be prevented by vaccination are generally increased.

The highly contagious virus has been isolated from sewers, Israeli media, including the Ynet website and the Times of Israel, reported, citing the Israeli Health Ministry.

Parts of the sewage system in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed by the war, and open sewage pools have formed in some places.

The Israeli Health Ministry has ordered all soldiers deployed in the Gaza Strip to be vaccinated against polio.

Soldiers who have already been vaccinated should receive a booster dose.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry warned that viruses found in sewers near refugee tents could trigger a “health catastrophe.” Thousands of people are at risk of infection.

(dpa/NAN)