Alarm grows in Gaza over the rapid spread of viruses overwhelming hospitals

The intense conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has left more than 60,000 dead, is entering a new phase. In recent weeks, the Gaza Ministry of Health has been observing what it describes as an alarming outbreak of respiratory viruses, which particularly affects women and children. 

According to the director of Al-Shifa Medical Centre, Mohamed Abu Salmiya, the spread of viruses and the lack of medical supplies could affect more than 21,000 children. The most worrying is one that has symptoms similar to COVID and is spreading rapidly in Gaza, which in turn is more lethal due to famine, malnutrition and the collapse of the enclave's health system. 

‘There are multiple viruses behind this outbreak, and they are extremely dangerous. Malnutrition, lack of drinking water, poor hygiene and overcrowding in shelters are accelerating their spread,’ Salmiya stressed. 

More than 700 days of conflict have left the health system in ruins and unable to respond. Doctors in Gaza's hospitals have pointed out that hospitals are unable to provide care or carry out medical tests. 

At the same time, Munir Al-Bursh, director general of the Ministry of Health, has elevated the situation to a humanitarian crisis, as much of the medical staff is at risk of contracting the same diseases. The figures indicate that tragedy has already taken hold in hospitals. According to doctors, the number of patients arriving with flu-like symptoms has risen from 10 per day to more than 140, and from two deaths per week to more than 10. 

‘The lack of laboratories and diagnostic tools has further exacerbated the crisis, turning otherwise seasonal illnesses into deadly threats, particularly in overcrowded displacement camps across the Strip,’ he said. 

As cases increase exponentially, the Ministry of Health insists that, without humanitarian intervention, the outbreak could escalate into an epidemic that could ultimately collapse the Palestinian enclave. 

Famine increases mortality

At the beginning of the summer, Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Government Media Office, stated that more than 40,000 babies in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition, while more than 250,000 children under the age of five are facing severe symptoms of malnutrition and 1.2 million children have serious problems. ‘The few hospitals that remain standing after repeated Israeli bombings are operating in catastrophic conditions,’ he added. 

Combined with stressful conditions, extreme overcrowding and poor hygiene, this has exacerbated the symptoms of new diseases that are afflicting Palestinians. This is mainly due to the impact of this combination of external factors, which is weakening the immune system of Gazans. 

According to the latest report issued by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, levels of famine and food crisis in Gaza are at their maximum level of 5 out of 5.