WHO Warns of Rising Respiratory Illnesses in Gaza, Worse Expected
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The World Health Organization warned of a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in Gaza, with over 33,000 more cases than last year, exacerbated by heavy rains flooding displacement camps. Living conditions and overcrowding are facilitating the spread of infections, and the WHO anticipates a worsening situation as winter arrives. The organization is also facing challenges in obtaining necessary laboratory equipment to diagnose and treat patients, urging for its immediate entry.
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- WHO warns of rising respiratory illnesses in Gaza due to heavy rains and overcrowding.
- Respiratory infections are up by 33,000 cases compared to the same period last year.
- Overcrowding in Gaza's displacement camps facilitates the easy spread of viruses.
- The WHO expects the situation to worsen with the full onset of winter.
- The organization urgently calls for laboratory equipment to enter Gaza to prevent a health crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Friday about a surge in respiratory illnesses in the Gaza Strip, with expectations that the situation will worsen as winter approaches. Heavy rains have flooded tens of thousands of tents sheltering displaced people, exacerbating living conditions.
Dr. Rinehild van de Weerd, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that current infection numbers are already indicative of immense pressure, with acute respiratory infections 33,000 cases higher than the same period last year. She noted that deteriorating living conditions and severe overcrowding in shrinking areas of Gaza facilitate the easy spread of viruses. The Israeli military's expansion of its controlled area by altering the "Yellow Line" has contributed to increased crowding, making transmission more likely.
The Israeli military and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the military body coordinating aid, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. COGAT had announced last week that it had intensified efforts to improve health conditions before the heavy rains, in coordination with international organizations.
Respiratory infections currently account for 11% of all medical consultations. The WHO anticipates that cold weather, floods, overcrowded shelters, and poor ventilation will further increase these numbers. Van de Weerd expressed shock at how just a few days of rain revealed the challenges of the coming months, emphasizing that winter has not fully begun and the worst is yet to come.
Approximately one million displaced individuals in Gaza live in flood-prone areas, with 400,000 in extremely high-risk locations, according to the WHO. The floods also increase the risk of water contamination, and stagnant water provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes and harmful insects. Humidity encourages the growth of mold and bacteria, major causes of respiratory infections, particularly in young children.
While most medicines reach Gaza, the WHO faces difficulties in obtaining laboratory supplies essential for diagnosing patients. The organization urgently calls for the entry of laboratory equipment to prevent a public health catastrophe.
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