2024 Gaza Strip polio epidemic
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| 2024 Gaza Strip polio epidemic | |
|---|---|
| Disease | Polio |
| Virus strain | Circulating vaccine–derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) |
| Source | Wastewater |
| Location | Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip |
| Date | 16 July 2024 – present |
The 2024 Gaza Strip polio epidemic is an ongoing outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the Gaza Strip, first discovered on 16 July 2024 and officially declared an epidemic by the Gaza health ministry on 29 July.[1] The Gaza health ministry stated that the epidemic posed a significant risk to Gaza's citizens and bordering countries, calling the outbreak "a setback to the global polio eradication program".[2]
Background[edit]
The Gaza Strip is experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to the Israel–Hamas war, leading to significant shortages of fuel, food, medication, water, and essential medical supplies. The crisis includes an impending famine and a healthcare collapse. The blockade by Israel has resulted in a 90% drop in electricity availability, impacting hospital power supplies, sewage treatment, and desalination plants.[3]
Public health experts warned of disease outbreaks due to lack of clean water and sanitation. According to Oxfam and the United Nations, the conditions in Gaza could trigger a rise in cholera and other infectious diseases.[4]
Epidemiology[edit]
On 16 July 2024, traces of cVDPV2 were discovered in sewage sites in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. Genomic sequencing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the poliovirus was closely related to strains circulating in Egypt in late 2023.[1] As of 23 July 2024, no tests had been conducted for polio cases or symptoms in humans.[5]
The WHO reported that Gaza immunization rates fell from 99% in 2022 to 89% in 2023 due to attacks on the health system and lack of medical supplies.[1]
Response[edit]
Humanitarian response[edit]
The WHO is conducting risk assessments and distributing information about polio protection, but following guidelines is difficult due to lack of wastewater treatment and sanitation.[1]
Israeli response[edit]
Israel announced polio vaccinations for its troops in Gaza and is cooperating with humanitarian agencies for vaccine delivery.[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Polio in Gaza: WHO 'extremely worried' about possible outbreak". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ↑ "Gaza Health Ministry Declares Territory 'Polio Epidemic Area'". Barron's. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ↑ Ioanes, Ellen (14 October 2023). "Gaza's spiraling humanitarian crisis, explained". Vox. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Marsi, Federica. "Gaza's next big threat: Cholera, infectious diseases amid Israeli blockade". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "WHO warns Gaza at 'high risk' of polio outbreak". Financial Times. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
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