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Polio virus found in Gaza water

MEMO's Gaza correspondent Mohammed Asad reports on the discovery of polio in the Gaza Strip 10 months after the Israeli army invaded the besieged enclave. It follows rising cases of contagious diseases including Hepatitis A, which had a reported outbreak in April 2024.

July 19, 2024 at 8:41 am

Components of type 2 poliovirus have been found in sewage samples from Gaza, the Israeli Ministry of Health announced yesterday.

The results of these samples align with findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Egypt.

“The samples, tested in an Israeli laboratory approved by the World Health Organisation, raised concerns about the virus’s presence in this area,” the ministry stated.

“Regular tests are conducted to detect the poliovirus in sewage water to identify the potential spread of the disease asymptomatically.”

The Israeli Health Ministry also mentioned that it is “monitoring and considering the necessary steps to prevent the risk of disease spread in Israel.”

Media reports have said Israel plans to vaccinate its soldiers against polio, however no information has been given about plans to provide vaccines to Palestinians in Gaza.

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