Chickenpox cases rise in Gaza

The United Nations has warned that chickenpox cases are increasing among displaced children in Gaza.

Around 9,300 cases have been reported over the past two weeks with more than half recorded in Khan Younis.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) overcrowded displacement camps piles of garbage limited access to clean water and damaged sewage systems are creating ideal conditions for infectious diseases to spread.

As a result chickenpox is becoming a serious public health concern. The UN said respiratory illnesses and skin diseases remain the most common health problems in Gaza.

Waterborne diseases are also increasing especially in the Khan Younis area due to poor sanitation and contaminated water.

Last week alone more than 18,000 new cases of skin-related illnesses including chickenpox external parasitic skin infections and impetigo were reported.

The report also said Gaza’s healthcare system has been badly damaged by the ongoing war. Many hospitals and medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged while shortages of medicines fuel and medical supplies continue to affect healthcare services.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, since the war began more than 73,250 Palestinians have been killed and 173,751 injured.

The ministry also said that around 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or completely destroyed.