The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the polio virus has been found in wastewater in the Gaza Strip, raising the risk of an epidemic in this Palestinian territory.
Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, head of the WHO team in the Palestinian territories, told reporters that a risk assessment is being conducted and that health workers in Gaza have meanwhile provided protection advice to the population of 2.3 million.
However, he added that it would be “very difficult” for people to follow these recommendations, given the disruptions in water supply and sanitation services.
Traces of the poliovirus, which spreads through feces, were found in wastewater samples collected from two different locations in Gaza a month ago, indicating that the virus may already be circulating.
Although no cases of infection have been reported yet, the WHO says that mass vaccination in Gaza may potentially be necessary. The Israeli military has already started vaccinating its troops.
