Polio in Gaza: WHO 'extremely worried' about possible outbreak

Polio in Gaza: WHO 'extremely worried' about possible outbreak Traces of the highly infectious polio virus have been detected in sewage samples from two sites in Gaza, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to express deep concern about a potential outbreak. The discovery of the virus in the samples last month has set off alarm bells, as polio is a highly contagious disease that can cause paralysis and even death. The presence of polio in Gaza is particularly troubling because the region lacks the necessary infrastructure to effectively respond to an outbreak. With limited access to clean water, overcrowding, and other challenges, the potential for the virus to spread quickly is high. The WHO has called for an immediate response to prevent a polio outbreak in Gaza. It has urged health authorities to ensure that all children are vaccinated against the disease and to strengthen surveillance and monitoring systems. Vaccination campaigns are being planned to reach all children under the age of five in the affected areas. Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus and primarily affects children under the age of five. The virus is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. It invades the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death. In recent years, the world has made significant progress in eradicating polio. Through mass immunization campaigns, the number of polio cases has been reduced by over 99% since the Global Pol