Gaza (TDI): The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization (WHO) have warned against the situation in Gaza after months of war, leading to the spread of meningitis. However, they say they lack data to measure the severity of the outbreak.
There is a typical seasonal increase in viral meningitis cases in Gaza between June and August, but WHO is investigating the role additional factors are playing in its increase which includes poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and disruption of routine vaccinations.
“There’s been a rise in meningitis cases in children,” said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, adding “We are very concerned.”
The hospitals that are still operating are overwhelmed, with beds full and a critical lack of vital antibiotics. “There is no space in the hospitals,” said Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for MSF in Gaza, adding that there is obviously no space to isolate and prevent an outbreak.
WHO says airborne and life threatening bacterial meningitis can spread in overcrowded tents. Viral meningitis, which is less serious, spreads through fecal oral route which means poor sanitation in tents can lead to its spread.
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The head of Paediatrics and Maternity Department at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, said that nearly 40 cases of newly admitted viral and bacterial meningitis have been reported in the last week.
According to a report published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Pediatrics Department at the Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza city to the north has recorded hundreds of cases in recent weeks.Â
The shortage of lab tests and blood cultures, that can help to identify the bacteria causing infection, is hindering the diagnosis.Â
Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the war began in October 2023. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, and triggered a hunger crisis by blocking essential aid.Â
According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Gaza is now an Israeli-militarized zone or subject to displacement orders.
Doctors have warned that vitamin deficiencies and weakened immunity is resulting from limited access to fresh vegetables and protein; increasing children’s vulnerability. Nasser hospital’s Farra said the destruction of the sewage system and dirty water is causing meningitis to spread.
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