GENEVA (EFE).— The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that it is “highly likely” that polio is already present in the population of Gaza after the detection of a vaccine-derived variant type 2 (VDPV2) in six environmental samples in the Strip.
“Having vaccine-derived poliovirus in wastewater most likely means it is out there somewhere among people,” said Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the organization.
The expert recalled that, like other diseases caused by viruses or bacteria, around 70% of people infected with polio do not show any symptoms, which could cause it to spread among the population “without necessarily seeing an outbreak.”
“It could travel with a person from one place to another without being detected because the person is not showing symptoms, so it is not easily detectable unless you look for environmental samples or direct samples from the person,” Lindmeier explained.
Although the virus has so far only been isolated from the environment, the UN health agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Palestinian authorities, is already working to launch the necessary vaccination campaigns.
However, the spokesperson reiterated the WHO’s call for a ceasefire in the Strip to ensure that these vaccines reach everyone in the region, which can only be achieved with “clear roads and safe access.”
UNICEF spokesman James Elder said it was essential to ensure that all children in Gaza were immunised, something that was becoming increasingly difficult due to the destruction of the Gazan health system.
“Mass displacement, the destruction of health infrastructure, the horrendous and unsafe operating environment all make it much more difficult, with more and more children at risk,” he said.
#Gaza #polio #zone #virus #population
2024-09-16 17:15:26
What measures are being taken to address the polio outbreak risk in Gaza?
Table of Contents
Polio Outbreak Looms in Gaza: WHO Warns of Vaccine-Derived Virus Presence
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning that polio may already be present in the population of Gaza, following the detection of a vaccine-derived variant type 2 (VDPV2) in six environmental samples from the Strip. The alarming discovery has prompted the WHO, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Palestinian authorities, to launch urgent vaccination campaigns to prevent a potential outbreak.
The Silent Spread of Polio
Polio, a highly infectious and debilitating disease, is notoriously difficult to detect due to the fact that approximately 70% of infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms. This asymptomatic nature of the virus means that it can spread rapidly through a population without triggering any noticeable outbreaks, making it a silent but deadly threat.
According to Christian Lindmeier, a spokesperson for the WHO, “Having vaccine-derived poliovirus in wastewater most likely means it is out there somewhere among people.” He emphasized that the virus can travel with an infected individual from one location to another without being detected, as they may not display any symptoms.
Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus: A Growing Concern
Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a mutation of the poliovirus that can occur when the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is used in areas with low immunization rates. In these circumstances, the weakened vaccine virus can circulate in the community, potentially mutating into a form that can cause paralysis.
The detection of VDPV2 in Gaza’s environmental samples is a pressing concern, as it indicates that the virus may already be present in the population. The WHO is adamant that swift action is necessary to prevent a full-blown outbreak.
Urgent Vaccination Campaigns
In response to the detection of VDPV2, the WHO, UNICEF, and Palestinian authorities are working together to launch targeted vaccination campaigns aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The campaigns will focus on immunizing vulnerable populations, particularly children under the age of five, who are most susceptible to polio.
The Importance of Immunization
Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the spread of polio. The WHO urges parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine, as incomplete vaccination can create a fertile ground for the virus to mutate and spread.
The Gaza Crisis: A Perfect Storm
The detection of VDPV2 in Gaza is particularly worrying due to the Strip’s fragile healthcare system and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The WHO has long expressed concerns about the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, which has been severely strained by years of conflict and economic instability.
Conclusion
The detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in Gaza is a wake-up call for the international community. The WHO’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high immunization rates and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable regions. As the WHO, UNICEF, and Palestinian authorities work to contain the spread of polio, it is essential that the global community rallies behind their efforts to prevent a devastating outbreak.
Keywords: Polio, Gaza, World Health Organization (WHO), Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV), Vaccination Campaigns, Immunization, Public Health, Humanitarian Crisis.
What are the risks associated with vaccine-derived polio outbreaks in Gaza?
Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic of the polio outbreak risk in Gaza:
Polio Outbreak Looms in Gaza: WHO Warns of Vaccine-Derived Virus Presence
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning that polio may already be present in the population of Gaza, following the detection of a vaccine-derived variant type 2 (VDPV2) in six environmental samples from the Strip. The alarming discovery has prompted the WHO, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Palestinian authorities, to launch urgent vaccination campaigns to prevent a potential outbreak.
The Silent Spread of Polio
Polio, a highly infectious and debilitating disease, is notoriously difficult to detect due to the fact that approximately 70% of infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms. This asymptomatic nature of the virus means that it can spread rapidly through a population without triggering any noticeable outbreaks, making it a silent but deadly threat.
Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus: A Growing Concern
Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a mutation of the poliovirus that can occur when the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is used in areas with low immunization rates. In these circumstances, the weakened vaccine virus can circulate in the community, potentially mutating into a form that can cause paralysis.
Urgent Vaccination Campaigns
In response to the detection of VDPV2, the WHO, UNICEF, and Palestinian authorities are working together to launch targeted vaccination campaigns aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The campaigns will focus on immunizing vulnerable populations, particularly children under the age of five, who are most susceptible to polio.
The Importance of Immunization
Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the spread of polio. The WHO urges parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive all recommended doses
:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/ZJCRNPMJJNDHPBGO6DWBJ35P24.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
