AhlulBayt News Agency: Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has issued a grave warning about the worsening health crisis, as widespread cases of unidentified illnesses continue to surge. The overwhelmed healthcare system is unable to cope with the rising number of patients amid a severe shortage of diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
Dr. Moataz Harara, Head of the Emergency and Reception Department at the hospital, stated that the department has been receiving over 500 patients daily over the past two weeks. He noted that around 200 patients a day suffer from severe respiratory illnesses, with symptoms including high fever, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, persistent vomiting, coughing, and chest pain.
Dr. Harara explained that the severity of symptoms varies depending on individual immunity levels. While some recover within two days, others, particularly those with chronic conditions, require hospitalization.
In more serious cases, patients are transferred to intensive care when available treatments fail to raise blood oxygen saturation levels. The Ministry of Health has been unable to identify the viruses causing the outbreaks due to the lack of laboratory testing capacity. The infections are not caused by COVID-19 or seasonal flu, and symptoms are more severe than usual, but the exact viral agent remains undetermined.
According to Dr. Harara, there has also been a notable increase in leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread by rodents, with two to three cases now recorded every two months—up from one every three years.
He also warned of an alarming rise in cases of acute flaccid paralysis, with nearly 20 cases reported in the past month alone, compared to a few per year in the past.
Real threats to respiratory patients
Pulmonology and internal medicine consultant Dr. Ahmad Al-Rubai warned of real and growing risks to respiratory patients due to the severe shortage of medications and medical equipment, compounded by poor displacement conditions and widespread air pollution.
Dr. Al-Rubai, head of the Pulmonology and Endoscopy Department at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, said respiratory infections, severe influenza, and pneumonia have dramatically increased, placing patients in critical condition.
He told Palestine Newspaper on Sunday that the majority of Gaza’s population now lives in tents or unsuitable shelters, which directly affects immune responses and exacerbates respiratory illnesses.
He added, “Living in tents or semi-destroyed homes has greatly weakened immunity. Constant exposure to cold air and overcrowding in displacement areas have further accelerated the spread of infections.”
The use of firewood for heating inside tents has also worsened the situation. “Smoke from cooking with wood or plastic severely damages the lungs, aggravates inflammation, and worsens asthma and chronic respiratory conditions,” he said.
Lack of medication and equipment leading to deaths
Dr. Al-Rubai confirmed that the lack of essential medications and delayed treatment has led to the deterioration and death of some patients. Many have required ICU admission due to complications from respiratory diseases.
He warned that without immediate delivery of life-saving medications and devices, many others face the same fate.
Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable. Their symptoms are more severe, and recovery is much slower, requiring close monitoring and urgent treatment to prevent deadly complications.
Asthma and chronic respiratory patients are especially at risk. “We’ve seen a sharp rise in both new and acute asthma cases,” he said, noting the dangerous impact of medication shortages and smoke exposure.
He also stressed that the shortage of inhalers, respiratory function monitors, and bronchoscopes is putting patients’ lives at real risk—especially under the dire environmental conditions in Gaza.
Toxic environment and growing outbreaks
Amjad Al-Shawa, Head of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, said current climate conditions are directly contributing to the spread of disease. He warned of a looming environmental and health catastrophe.
He noted that Gaza faces a severe shortage of drinking water, with nearly 900,000 metric tons of waste piling up and widespread destruction of sewage systems. The ban on hygiene and cleaning supplies is making the environment fertile for the spread of epidemics.
Gaza residents are also enduring freezing cold and heavy rain while Israel continues to block the entry of tents and shelter materials. This has worsened the suffering of displaced people, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses living in life-threatening conditions.
Medical organisations have repeatedly warned of outbreaks of diseases like cholera and polio among displaced populations, especially as Israel continues to block the entry of essential medicines and supplies.
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