WHO Warns Of Rising Pediatric Meningitis Cases In Gaza

Reuters (7/7, Le Poidevin, Khaled) reports that the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières “warn that conditions in Gaza after 21 months of war between Israel and Hamas have increased the risks of meningitis spreading, though they lack clear comparative data to measure the severity of recent outbreaks.” Although there is typically “a seasonal increase in viral meningitis cases in Gaza between June and August,” the WHO is “investigating the role of additional factors such as poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and disruption of routine vaccinations.” Physicians also fear “that vitamin deficiencies and weakened immunity – resulting from limited access to fresh vegetables and protein – are increasing children’s vulnerability.” Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said, “There’s been a rise in meningitis cases in children. We are very concerned.”