Chickenpox spreads unchecked through Gaza's displacement camps

Chickenpox has spread uncontrollably through Gaza’s displacement camps, with nearly 10,000 cases reported in just a few weeks. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of access to essential hygiene resources have created ideal conditions for the virus to thrive. Doctors warn that the outbreak poses a serious threat to public health, particularly among children. The outbreak has intensified since late June, with reports indicating that over 9,500 cases were documented in the first two weeks of summer alone. This includes the period spanning from late June through the first ten days of July. The affected children primarily reside in densely populated displacement camps such as Al Mawasi and other central Gaza locations. These areas are characterised by extreme overcrowding, with families often living in tents or makeshift shelters. Dr Mohammad Abu Afash, director of Medical Relief in the Gaza Strip, described the situation as requiring immediate action. He stated that the provision of medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare services is critical to preventing further deterioration. His comments reflect growing concerns among local medical professionals about the deteriorating state of the region’s health infrastructure. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which lasted for two years and caused widespread destruction, has significantly weakened Gaza’s ability to manage public health crises. Despite a ceasefire that began in October, hospitals continue to struggle due to Israeli-imposed restrictions on the importation of medical supplies and equipment. These limitations have hindered efforts to contain the chickenpox outbreak effectively. In Al Mawasi, Sabreen Al Masri recounted how her 11-year-old daughter, Maryam, was diagnosed with chickenpox after developing large blisters following a month of unexplained skin spots. Despite being vaccinated previously, Maryam contracted the disease again. Her mother noted the dire living conditions, including the absence of proper bathrooms and insufficient clean water. She mentioned that bathing is a rare occurrence, with individuals able to do so only once a week. Access to even basic hygiene products such as soap and shampoo is scarce, largely due to economic hardship and reliance on dwindling humanitarian aid. Maryam’s condition persisted for approximately 10 days, during which time her 16-year-old sister, Ayat, also fell ill. The two sisters endured over 20 days of illness, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. Just a short distance away, Sanaa Ghabboun, 36, is tending to three children, Muath, Mahmoud, and Raneem, who recently recovered from chickenpox. Their infection followed a wave of illness that swept through the camp, affecting nearly all the children present. Ms Ghabboun described the living conditions as some of the most overcrowded in Gaza. She pointed out the complete absence of adequate water supply, functioning toilets, and cleaning materials. Furthermore, she expressed frustration over the lack of support from both governmental and humanitarian agencies, stating that residents are left to cope with pests and disease outbreaks independently. Children, she added, bear the brunt of these challenges, suffering the most from recurring illnesses. Medical experts acknowledge that while chickenpox is typically a manageable condition under normal circumstances, its containment has become exceptionally challenging in Gaza. Dr Sharif Matar, a paediatric consultant at Al Rantisi Hospital in Gaza City, explained that the disease usually presents with fever and fatigue before evolving into fluid-filled blisters. With appropriate care, prevention strategies, and hygiene practices, the condition is generally controllable. However, the current conditions in Gaza make effective containment nearly impossible.