GAZA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The health authorities in Gaza warned on Tuesday of a "worrying increase" in the number of cases of meningitis, especially among children, in the Gaza Strip amid "an unprecedented health, humanitarian, and environmental crisis."
The authorities said in a press statement that it had recorded a "clear" increase in the number of suspected and confirmed meningitis cases, especially among children under five, who are the group most vulnerable to the disease and its serious complications.
It added that the deteriorating level of healthcare, with hospitals closed or destroyed, the significant deterioration in drug stocks, and the shortage of childhood vaccinations, have limited emergency response efforts.
The catastrophic conditions in shelters, the severe shortage of drinking water, the spread of sewage, and the accumulation of waste are further deteriorating health conditions, it added.
The authorities called on all concerned parties to intervene immediately and improve health and living conditions. They also urged residents to follow preventive and appropriate medical guidelines to enhance disease prevention and reduce the risk of an outbreak among children. ■
