Poliovirus discovered in Gaza Strip, WHO warns
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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Olubadan lauds Tinubu on release of Oriire kidnap victims, urges rehabilitation
“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all communities bordering the National Park are fully secure,” he said.
Heading 1
Iran’s new supreme leader vows revenge over father’s assassination by U.S.-Israeli forces
“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” he said.
Heading 4
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One story
The subpoenas seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
Heading 2
Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach
Nagelsmann resigned last week as the men’s national team coach following Germany’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Health
FG expands cancer funding, local drug production
“We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.
Heading 3
Remi Tinubu begs Asake, Davido, Burna Boy to come rescue poor Nigerians from hunger
The first lady stated that buying exotic cars is good, but noted that the singers can still establish foundations to assist the struggling population.
