In recent developments, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported finding traces of the poliovirus in sewage samples from the Gaza Strip. This discovery comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has disrupted routine immunization programs in the region. The WHO confirmed these findings at an Israeli laboratory, raising concerns about a potential polio outbreak.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis or even death. It is primarily spread through fecal-oral contamination caused by drinking contaminated water, poor sanitation, or poor sewage management. According to the WHO, the war between Israel and Hamas has disrupted routine immunization programs in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun a campaign to vaccinate soldiers serving in Gaza against polio. However, with traces of the virus already detected in sewage samples, there is a concern that it may spread throughout the region. Dr. Lior Nesher, director of the Infectious Disease Institute at Soroka Medical Hospital in Beersheba, has warned that it will be almost impossible to stop the ecological movement of the virus and emphasized that most soldiers are immunized.
The danger lies elsewhere, as not all Israeli children have been fully vaccinated. According to Dr. Nesher, 95% of Israeli children receive four IPV shots and two OPV doses by age 18 months for full protection and prevention of shedding the virus into the sewage system. However, only 75% of babies and toddlers receive oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses, which is necessary to prevent further spread.
The Israeli military has begun vaccinating its soldiers against polio in response to this discovery. However, with a population of over 1 million living in Gaza with little access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, the risk of further spread remains high. In some shelters, up to 500 people share one toilet.
The WHO has called for a concerted effort to ensure everyone in Gaza is vaccinated against polio. This includes Israeli soldiers and babies alike. The organization has stressed that a ceasefire is essential to allow an effective response.
