July 20, Gaza
Highly infectious polio virus has been found in sewage samples in Gaza.
Polio virus type 2 (VDPV2) was identified at six locations in sewage samples collected from Khan Younis and Deir al Balah.
No associated paralytic cases have been detected, but residents must now be aware of the threat posed by polio.
Various United Nations agencies are working with local health authorities to determine the virus’s spread.
Wild polio was eradicated from Gaza more than 25 years ago, with pre-war vaccination coverage reaching 95% in 2022.