Paralytic Diseases surge in Gaza Amidst Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis
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A growing outbreak of paralytic diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), is threatening lives in Gaza as an Israeli blockade severely restricts access to essential medicines and food. As June, the World Health Institution (WHO) has reported 85 suspected cases of GBS, with eight associated deaths, raising alarm over the deteriorating health conditions within the enclave.
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of peripheral nerves. This attack exposes the nerve fibers, leading to nerve damage and a range of neurological symptoms. Peripheral nerves extend from the brain and spinal cord, connecting to all parts of the body, including the skin, muscles, and organs. globally, approximately 100,000 people are affected by GBS each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What Causes GBS?
The precise cause of GBS remains unknown, but it frequently develops after a viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu, Epstein-Barr virus, or Zika virus. The WHO identifies a gastrointestinal infection caused by the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria as a important risk factor. This bacteria is commonly found in animal feces.
Alarmingly,the majority of laboratory testing samples collected in Gaza have tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni,according to Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of paediatrics at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. Samples have also revealed the presence of enterovirus, a group of viruses spread through contaminated water that can cause fever, body aches, sore throats, and rashes. Dr. al-Farra explained that the spread of these diseases is directly linked to the destruction of Gaza’s sewage system by Israeli forces, forcing residents to consume water contaminated with sewage.
Oxfam reported in July 2024 that Israeli bombardment has destroyed 70 percent of all sewage pumps and wastewater treatment plants in Gaza. The organization has also accused Israel of restricting the entry of vital water testing equipment. While GBS can occasionally
‘s hospitals and 38 percent of its primary healthcare centers are partially operational or functioning at minimal levels. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn,WHO representative for the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip,stated that hospitals are operating far beyond capacity: Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City at 250 percent,Nasser Medical complex in Khan Younis at 180 percent,al-rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City at 210 percent,and al-Ahli Arab Hospital at over 300 percent.
Beyond GBS: A Surge in Paralytic Diseases
GBS is not the only paralytic disease spreading in Gaza. A concerning increase in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) – a condition causing muscle weakness or paralysis – has been reported.the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza issued a press release on August 4 warning of a “dangerous increase” in cases of AFP and GBS among children, attributing it to atypical infections and worsening acute malnutrition.
Medical examinations have revealed the presence of intestinal viruses beyond polio, indicating a “fertile habitat for the uncontrolled spread of infectious diseases.” Notably, the poliovirus, eradicated from Gaza for 25 years, has reappeared 11 months after the start of the conflict.
Famine and Blockade: A Deadly Combination
Gaza is facing a man-made famine imposed by Israel, compounded by a severe lack of medication due to the ongoing blockade. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has classified Gaza as a level 5 catastrophe,characterized by “starvation,death,destitution and extremely critical acute malnutrition.” While the blockade was officially lifted in mid-March, the entry of essential supplies – food, water, medication, and fuel – remains severely limited and unpredictable.
The convergence of infectious disease outbreaks, a collapsing healthcare system, and a manufactured famine paints a grim picture for the future of public health in gaza, demanding immediate and sustained international intervention.
