Gaza Faces Deadly Meningitis Surge Due to Medical Aid Shortage: What is Meningitis? Why is it deadly?

A deadly outbreak of the meningitis has been observed in Gaza and the recent report states that around 35 confirmed cases were registered who are all children amid the worsening conditions. Since, the war affected areas are suffering from a severe shortage of medical aid and a sharp rise in infections. This is due to the block of the aid by Israel as a consequence of the ongoing conflict and border restrictions. 

What are the major issues?

• Overcrowded shelters
• Lack of clean water
• Untidy ambience due to war
• Minimal access to healthcare
• Lack of medical aids

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes which are surrounded around the brain and the spinal cord. This disease is caused majorly due to either viral or bacterial infections. Among them, the bacterial infection is said to be the most dangerous one because it is more contagious and fatal to death. 

Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea and sensitivity to light. 

The war has collapsed the complete health infrastructure turning even the treatable illnesses to fatal. Political and ideological clashes between the nations have led to the war which still continues to ruin the underneath of Gaza’s health sector. Also, Israel has blocked the aid which were sent by the international organisations like WHO and other nations, which sparked a serious situation for the people in Gaza which includes the lack of antibiotics, vaccines and the arrival of the trained healthcare workers is also made impossible. The other life-threatening diseases like hepatitis A, cholera, Tuberculosis, and skin diseases are also spreading swiftly among the people with weak/vulnerable immune systems.