The highly infectious polio virus has been detected during tests of sewage in Gaza conducted by UNICEF, the UN agency concerned with child welfare. There have been similar findings conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and according to The Guardian the Israeli Health Ministry detected what was identified as vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) in Gaza wastewater.
There is a “perfect storm” potential for an outbreak caused by the combined effects of overcrowded tent cities of displaced people where raw sewage collects and flows freely; where garbage accumulates; where people are in a weakened physical state; where there is little or no fresh water; and where there is the embargo of items for personal hygiene or sanitation.
