The Reemergence of Deadly Viruses: Polio Disease in Palestine and Its Effect.
Diseases and viruses remain prevalent and dangerous no matter their age. Bubonic, poliovirus, and monkeypox still live in society today, just not as treacherous and dominant as in the past due to medical innovation and societal progression into more hygienic lives. However, when presented with pollution and unscrupulous conditions, said diseases may present themselves once more. In Palestine, due to the recent war, the people’s livelihood has become that of the past— severely underprivileged, with poor conditions such as contaminated drinking water and a lack of basic necessities, allowing for polio to return. This is the first time in 25 years that a case of polio has reappeared in Gaza. The unvaccinated 10-month-old baby has developed paralysis in one leg, truly expressing the contamination, allowing for a new generation of Palestinians to contract the disease. Since a case has already been noticed, many specialists believe this virus is a “ticking time bomb”, seemingly taunting us with its slow yet impactful resurfacing. So far, there has been little to no specific information about polio in Palestine, other than the unfortunate baby; however, its significance lies in the uprising of polio in Palestine. It’s important to notice that since the late 1980s, poliovirus has decreased by 99%, with only 6 reported cases in 2021, decreasing from the mid-20th century with more than half a million with polio. The recent discovery of (type 2) poliovirus in the sewage system in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, and the case of polio in one individual already indicates a resurface for the worst. The containing of this fatal virus is vital for the safety of civilization. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis—due to poliovirus affecting the nervous system, mainly the spinal cord, and brain stem among these paralyzed individuals, 5-10% of them die when their respiratory muscles become immobilized corresponding to their legs.
Another example of its pure danger is that this disease mainly affects children 5 and under. What makes this disease even more of a threat, especially in an area so densely packed as Gaza/ Palestine, is that many of the symptoms of polio are adjacent to common symptoms of influenza: fever, fatigue/ tiredness, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and pain in limbs along with stiffness of the neck; some of the most severe symptoms involving permanent paralysis within hours of infections. Overall, the re-emergence of poliovirus in Palestine is extremely daunting and concerning because of its endangerment to society, especially when the surrounding war has left individuals without the proper means to access clean water, proper nutrients, sanitation, and healthcare.
Author: James Campbell | Researchers: James Campbell, Adeline Tran | Editor: Adeline
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