Gaza records first polio case in years, officials warn of health risks

The UN has called for a seven-day ceasefire starting in late August to vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children against polio.

The discovery of polio in Gaza raises concerns about the spread of the disease, which primarily affects children under the age of five and is typically transmitted through contaminated water. (File Photo)

Palestinian health officials confirmed the first case of polio in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. The unvaccinated 10-month-old child from Deir al-Balah was diagnosed after tests in Jordan.

Polio, a potentially fatal and paralyzing disease, primarily affects children under five and spreads through contaminated water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not confirmed the case but reported three children in Gaza with acute flaccid paralysis, a common symptom of polio, as reported by AP.

Also read | Polio epidemic declared in Gaza amid escalating health crisis

The UN has called for a seven-day ceasefire starting in late August to vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children against polio. The polio virus was detected in wastewater in two major Gaza cities last month, prompting concerns of a wider outbreak, according to a report by AP.

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The conflict has created a dire humanitarian situation, with over 40,000 people killed and a public health emergency declared. Health officials stress that a ceasefire is crucial to halt the spread and treat patients.

International mediators are working towards a ceasefire deal, hoping to reach an agreement soon. The WHO plans to deliver over 1.6 million polio vaccine doses to Gaza by the end of August.

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