24 cases of hepatitis A have been diagnosed in Gaza. A low number, which, however, could be the tip of the iceberg. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this known on X (formerly Twitter). “So far, 24 cases have been confirmed and no deaths have been reported. There are several thousand people suffering from jaundice, presumably also due to hepatitis A,” wrote Tedros who fears further spread of the infection.
At the moment, “the capacity for diagnosis remains extremely limited. There are no functioning laboratories. The capacity to respond is equally limited”, continued the WHO director general. The situation could get even worse: “The inhumane living conditions – almost no clean water, toilets and the ability to keep the surrounding environment clean – will allow hepatitis A to spread further,” Tedros added. “We continue to demand free and safe access to medical aid and health protection.”
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