A mysterious respiratory virus is spreading rapidly through the Gaza Strip, overwhelming the already fragile healthcare system and causing significant illness, particularly among children. The outbreak, which began to gain prominence in recent weeks, is characterized by symptoms resembling influenza but proving more severe and prolonged, with some cases progressing to acute pneumonia.
Hospitals in Gaza are reporting a surge in patients presenting with high fever, severe joint and bone pain, persistent headaches, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City is currently experiencing an “unprecedented health catastrophe,” according to medical director Mohammed Abu Salmiya, who spoke to Anadolu on . The facility is receiving approximately 200 cases daily, with 40 requiring hospitalization in already overcrowded wards. While the daily case count has decreased from around 400 a month prior, the situation remains critically dangerous.
Children under three years of age are particularly vulnerable to complications, including loss of appetite, vomiting, persistent coughing, and dangerously low oxygen levels requiring mechanical ventilation. Doctors are reporting instances of rapid deterioration even in seemingly stable patients, presenting unprecedented challenges to medical staff.
The Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, originally designated for oncology patients, has been repurposed as a general pediatric hospital due to the destruction of four other hospitals in northern Gaza. The recent military operations also resulted in the destruction of the intensive care unit, leaving medical teams operating with severely limited resources. The hospital currently lacks sufficient nebulizers and faces critical shortages of essential solutions and medications.
The Gaza Ministry of Health reports a staggering 86% deficit in laboratory testing materials, a 52% shortage of essential medications, and a 71% shortage of medical supplies. These shortages severely hamper the ability to diagnose and effectively treat the virus.
The exact nature of the virus remains unknown. Dr. Wassel Abu Labban, the medical director of Al-Rantisi Hospital, stated that while the virus has not yet been identified, It’s spreading quickly within families and lasting for extended periods, often exceeding 20 days. Sadly, fatalities have been reported among children of various ages, including a nine-year-old girl who died within 24 hours of hospitalization despite receiving treatment.
The current outbreak is occurring against a backdrop of widespread displacement, malnutrition, and poor hygiene. The conditions within overcrowded tents and shelters, particularly during the winter months, are exacerbating the spread of the virus. The lack of clean water and sanitation further contributes to the vulnerability of the population.
The situation is compounded by the ongoing blockade of Gaza, which restricts the entry of essential medical supplies. Health officials are urging residents to take basic precautions, such as drinking only clean or boiled water and administering saline solution to children, mothers, and the elderly to prevent dehydration. However, these measures are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
A separate report from , highlights a broader surge of unidentified viral infections affecting both children and women in Gaza, further straining the healthcare system. Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya of Al Shifa Hospital noted a troubling combination of symptoms – persistent fever, joint pain, runny nose, cough, and diarrhea lasting more than a week – and expressed the inability to pinpoint a single causative virus, suggesting multiple viruses are contributing to the outbreak.
The Lancet reports a surge in paediatric meningitis cases alongside the broader health system collapse, dating back to , following prolonged military assault and blockade. As of , the UN estimates that at least 1.9 million people – approximately 90% of the Gaza Strip’s population – have been displaced.
Beyond the immediate respiratory illness, Gaza faces a critical need for medical evacuations. NGOs report that 18,500 patients and injured individuals require immediate medical attention outside of the territory. The combination of the viral outbreak, ongoing conflict, and limited resources has created a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.
The current health crisis in Gaza is not merely a medical challenge; it is a humanitarian catastrophe demanding urgent intervention to save lives. The lack of diagnostic capabilities, coupled with severe shortages of essential supplies, is hindering the ability to effectively respond to the outbreak and protect the vulnerable population.
