Why a Deadly Disease Is Spreading Fast in Gaza — With No Cure in Sight

Gaza is facing a new health crisis as a dangerous virus spreads rapidly, leaving many especially children at risk of paralysis. Doctors are reporting a surge in cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), a rare condition that weakens muscles and makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Experts warn that the outbreak is linked to malnutrition, hunger, and the collapse of Gaza’s sanitation system after months of Israeli bombings.

Cases have increased in 2 years

According to a report by Politico, before October 2023 this disease was extremely rare, with only about 12 cases reported annually. But in the past three months, nearly 100 new cases have been recorded. Lab samples sent to Jordan and Israel have confirmed the presence of enterovirus. This virus spreads through contaminated water and filth. In Khan Younis, the accumulation of dirty water and sewage in the streets is common. Along with this, cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome are also rapidly being reported.

The biggest impact on children

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 31, 32 cases have been reported among children under the age of 15. The organization acknowledged that while one reason is the strengthening of the surveillance system, the collapse of healthcare services in Gaza, malnutrition, and filth are equally responsible. According to WHO, nearly 70% of the cases tested this year showed non-polio enterovirus, whereas earlier this figure was only 26%.

No treatment options, shortage of medicines

Doctors say that treatment options are almost nonexistent. At Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, which was heavily damaged by Israel at the beginning of 2024, 22 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome have been reported so far. Among these, three children have died and 12 children have suffered permanent paralysis. This illness requires advanced treatments like Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange. But in Gaza, neither these medicines are available, nor the required medical machines—because Israel’s blockade has left even basic medical supplies unavailable.