Skin Infections in Gaza Skyrocket

Skin infections are spreading rapidly in the Gaza Strip, fueled by the severe lack of water and sanitation essentials resulting from ongoing Israeli attacks, adding to recently expressed fears of the reemergence of polio. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed over 103,000 cases of scabies and lice, more than 65,000 cases of rashes, 11,000 cases of chickenpox, and thousands of cases of impetigo, a highly contagious condition that predominantly affects children.

The actual number of infections, just like the number of people killed by Israeli attacks since October 7, 2024, is likely much higher and is expected to grow further. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has expressed concern over potential outbreaks of leishmaniasis, a disease that can cause life-long scars, disability, and even death. Local healthcare professionals are worried about diseases which have not been identified yet. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabaliya, reported seeing children with severe skin symptoms accompanied by high fever, prolonged crying, and refusing to eat. This is particularly worrying considering that children in the Gaza Strip have been going hungry for months, with many starving to death.

Infants and children, most of whom have been displaced multiple times, are at severe risk. Their immune systems, already weakened by malnutrition and dehydration, are unable to fend off infections. This is leading to multiple infections at the same time. A group of physicians from the United States who had volunteered in Gaza, wrote a letter to US President Biden and Vice-President Harris, stating: “Virtually every child under the age of five we encountered, both inside and outside the hospital, had a cough and watery diarrhea.”

The health workers described the situation as unprecedented and called for an end to the US export of arms to Israel, which they see as one of the root causes of the crisis. “In Gaza, we watched malnourished new mothers feed their underweight newborns infant formula made with poisonous water,” they wrote. The letter also warns that the volunteers regularly witnessed stillbirths and maternal deaths that could have been easily prevented, even in low-income health systems, but could not be stopped in the context of Gaza’s health system today.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza continue. The Nasser Medical Complex, the last major hospital in southern Gaza, has been overwhelmed by an influx of patients following a month of relentless attacks. According to MSF, the hospital’s blood bank is now depleted. Efforts have been made to replenish stocks through voluntary donations, but one in 10 people could not donate blood due to anemia or malnutrition.

A new wave of intensification of attacks near Nasser Hospital since the beginning of July has raised fears of forced evacuations and raids similar to those carried out by Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) in other hospitals. The hospital currently cares for 550 patients who cannot be moved, especially not moved quickly. “Closing Nasser hospital is not an option,” said Jacob Granger of MSF, highlighting the critical role the facility plays in the healthcare system.

People’s Health Dispatch is a fortnightly bulletin published by the People’s Health Movement and Peoples Dispatch. For more articles and to subscribe to People’s Health Dispatch, click here.