Respiratory Virus Outbreak Threatening Gaza

IQNA – A potentially severe outbreak of respiratory viruses could spread among the Gaza population, a hospital administrator warned, amid a collapse of the healthcare system due to the Israeli regime's blockade and a lack of medical supplies and aid.

Muhammad Abu Salemyeh, director of Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, issued the warning, stating that the Strip is witnessing a surge in respiratory viruses.

He believes these viruses may be mutated strains of influenza or the coronavirus, posing a significant threat to public health, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and refugees.

Abu Salemyeh added that this outbreak is occurring in circumstances where Gaza residents are already struggling with severe malnutrition, weakening their ability to cope with illnesses.

The hospital administrator emphasized the precarious state of the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of medical assistance.

The absence of essential medical supplies and equipment has severely compromised the hospital’s capacity to effectively manage and respond to the emerging respiratory virus situation. This lack of resources creates an environment

Source: Agencies