2024-07-23 11:24:00
“Hepatitis A was confirmed last year and now we could have polio,” while there are already “up to 14,000 people who might” need medical evacuation out of Gaza, said Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, team leader at WHO for health emergencies in the Palestinian territories, during a regular press briefing by humanitarian agencies.
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus (the poliovirus) that invades the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis within hours.
On July 16, the Global Polio Laboratory Network isolated type 2 poliovirus derived from a vaccine strain in six samples of environmental surveillance.
Analysis of these isolates—conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta—shows that there are “close genetic links between them” and that they are also related to the type 2 poliovirus derived from a vaccine strain that circulated in Egypt in 2023, the WHO indicated on Tuesday.
The WHO reiterated on Tuesday that there is a “high risk” of poliovirus spreading in the Gaza Strip and internationally “if this outbreak is not met with a rapid and optimal response”.
“We have not yet collected human samples due to lack of equipment to do so and laboratory capability to test these samples,” Dr. Saparbekov explained.
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Emerging Health Threats in Gaza: Hepatitis A and Polio
Recent statements from Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, the World Health Organization’s emergency health team leader for the Palestinian territories, highlight a troubling health crisis in Gaza. With the confirmation of Hepatitis A and the looming threat of Polio, the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly dire. The potential need for medical evacuations for up to 14,000 people underscores the urgency of addressing these public health risks.
Polio, a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus, can lead to irreversible paralysis within hours. The detection of a derivative strain of type 2 poliovirus in environmental samples suggests that the virus is not only present but also poses a serious risk of contagion. The genetic analysis linking this strain to recent cases identified in Egypt indicates a wider regional problem that requires immediate attention.
The World Health Organization warns of a “high risk” for the spread of the poliovirus both within Gaza and internationally if a proactive response is not initiated swiftly. Unfortunately, the capacity to conduct crucial human sample testing is severely limited due to a lack of necessary equipment and laboratory resources, as noted by Dr. Saparbekov. This shortfall amplifies the potential for an outbreak that could spiral out of control, thus making the need for international support and urgent infrastructure enhancement more critical than ever.
As the global community watches these developments, potential future trends may focus on strengthened partnerships for health infrastructure in conflict zones, investment in vaccination campaigns, and the enhancement of rapid response units capable of addressing emerging infectious diseases. The importance of preemptive measures in health crises cannot be overstated, as they not only protect vulnerable populations but also reduce the risk of global health threats.