Malnutrition-Linked 'New Virus' Emergence In Gaza Raises Concern
The director of Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, issued an urgent warning on about the emergence and spread of a “new virus” spreading in Gaza.
“Symptoms of the virus include a high body temperature, joint pain, a runny nose, and a cough accompanied by bouts of diarrhea lasting more than a week,” Abu Salmiya said in a statement.
“We do not have tests to determine the cause of the virus,” he added, but its spread is linked to “a lack of immunity resulting from malnutrition, in addition to the lack of clean water and cleaning materials, and the overcrowding of people in tents”.
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“The new virus is exacerbating the pressure on the exhausted health system,” Abu Salmiya said.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza enters its 693rd day, with 62,996 Palestinians reported killed, including 317 who died from starvation due to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid.
As per the recent reports, at least 30 people were killed in Gaza in separate Israeli attacks since Friday dawn.
Also, a paralytic disease, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been spreading in Gaza amid the Israeli blockade. Since June, 85 GBS cases were suspected as per the WHO.
All members of the United Nations Security Council, except the United States, have demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territories to halt the spread of the Gaza famine while Washington downplayed postwar discussions.
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Famine dominated the Security Council agenda recently at its emergency meeting. Over half a million people are facing starvation and death, and there are urgent concerns that the number could exceed 640,000 by the end of September.
