The health ministry in Gaza has announced a polio outbreak, attributing the virus's spread to Israel's intense military actions. In a statement on Monday via Telegram, the ministry highlighted that the outbreak presents a severe health risk to both Gaza's residents and neighbouring areas, exacerbating the public health emergency caused by Israeli actions since October.
The ministry characterised the situation as a significant barrier to global polio eradication efforts, stressing the urgent need for immediate intervention to stop Israeli aggression and address fundamental issues like lack of clean water, poor sanitation, damaged sewage systems, and waste accumulation, which are worsening the crisis.
Polio Situation In Gaza
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), poliomyelitis, a highly contagious virus that primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, can cause paralysis. Due to extensive vaccination campaigns, global polio cases have decreased by 99% since 1988, a major achievement in combating this debilitating disease.
However, Gaza's health ministry recently detected component poliovirus type 2 in sewage, coordinated with UNICEF, particularly in areas where displaced residents live in tents, raising concerns about contamination of the limited drinking water supply.
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In response, the WHO is sending over one million polio vaccine doses to Gaza to prevent further cases. The Israeli military has confirmed the presence of the poliovirus and intends to vaccinate soldiers in the area. The ongoing conflict has significantly damaged Gaza's water and sewage infrastructure, leading to sewage spills near displacement camps and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Polio Symptoms And Risk Factors
Although extensive vaccination efforts have drastically reduced polio cases worldwide, understanding its symptoms remains crucial, especially in regions facing health crises.
Non-Paralytic Polio Symptoms
The University of Rochester Medical Centre, non-paralytic polio, also known as abortive polio, usually presents with mild, flu-like symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other viral infections. These symptoms include:
- Fever: Often the first sign of infection.
- Sore Throat: Accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
- Headache: Persistent and severe in some cases.
- Vomiting: Sometimes leading to dehydration.
- Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness and weakness.
- Muscle Pain: Especially in the back and neck.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, causing stiffness and additional pain.
Also Read: Polio Virus: Symptoms, Causes, Transmission, And Treatment
Paralytic Polio Symptoms
An article published in Netter’s Infectious Disease, 2012 defines paralytic polio as a more severe form of polio that can lead to permanent disability. Initial symptoms are similar to non-paralytic polio but quickly progress to more serious conditions such as:
- Muscle Weakness: Sudden onset, typically more pronounced on one side of the body.
- Loss of Reflexes: Decreased or absent reflexes in the affected limbs.
- Severe Muscle Pain and Spasms: Often leading to muscle tenderness.
- Paralysis: Rapid onset of paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Deformed Limbs: In the later stages, especially the hips, ankles, and feet.
Polio may be close to eradication, but vigilance is essential to prevent its resurgence. By understanding its symptoms we can protect ourselves and our communities from this debilitating disease. Stay informed, stay vaccinated, and promote hygiene to keep polio at bay.