Malnutrition, antibiotic shortages and massive displacement are factors that contribute to an increase in cases of meningitis in the Gaza Strip, doctors said.
Protesters are occupying the US Capitol cafeteria
Religious protesters occupied the Capitol cafeteria with the message “Congress won’t eat until Gaza eats it.”
- New cases of meningitis reported in northern and southern Gaza.
- The rest of the hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed.
- Doctors say that nutritional deficiencies increase vulnerability.
Gaza – In the ward of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, a woman comforts her 16-month-old granddaughter, crying.
“Siam’s temperature suddenly spiked and she became stiff,” said her grandmother Um Yasmin. “We couldn’t find a car to carry her…she was dead.”
The World Health Organization and medical charity Medesin warns that Gaza conditions increased the risk of meningitis after a 21-month war between Israel and Hamas, but lack clear comparative data to measure the severity of recent outbreaks.
“There has been an increase in cases of meningitis in children,” said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, president of Palestinian territory. “We’re very worried.”
While cases of viral meningitis usually increase seasonally in Gaza between June and August, the WHO is investigating the role of additional factors such as inadequate hygiene, limited access to health care, and disruptions in daily vaccinations.
The hospitals still operating are overwhelmed with beds having a totally important antibiotic shortage and a serious shortage.
“There is no space in the hospital,” said Dr. Mohammed Abu Mugaishiv, assistant medical coordinator at MSF in Gaza. “There’s no space to separate.”
According to the WHO, airborne and life-threatening bacterial meningitis can spread to crowded tents. Viral meningitis, although less severe, often spreads through the oral fecal route. This means that it can easily spread to poorly sanitary shelters, Who says.
Dr. Ahmad Al-Farra, director of the Paediatrics and Maternity Department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, reported almost 40 cases of newly recognized viral and bacterial meningitis last week.
In the northern city of Gaza, the pediatrics at Rantisi Children’s Hospital have recorded hundreds of cases in recent weeks, according to a report issued by the United Nations office for humanitarian adjustments.
Abu Mughaisib said the lack of lab tests and blood cultures that help identify bacteria causing the infection are preventing the diagnosis.
Mass displacement
Almost all of Gaza’s population was exiled by the war in October 2023 when Hamas-led fighters assaulted Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israeli retaliatory military campaigns have killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, causing a hunger crisis, leaving much of its territory abandoned, according to health authorities in Gaza.
According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Gaza are currently subject to Israel’s military zone or displacement orders.
Um Yasmin said she contracted meningitis for the second time since her daughter was displaced. “The tents we live in… animals cannot live in them,” she said.
Doctors warn that vitamin deficiencies and weak immunity increase vulnerability in children due to limited access to fresh vegetables and protein.
Farah of Nasser Hospital said the destruction of the sewage system and dirty water spread meningitis.
On May 19, Israel lifted an 11-week aid lockdown in Gaza, but support has been limited since then. Supplies are led through controversial US and Israeli support groups bypassing unused systems.
The WHO asked for more antibiotics to be allowed in enclaves to treat patients.
