WHO warns of tripled microbiological contamination in Gaza water

GENEVA, Sept. 02 (YPA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday of a worsening health situation in the Gaza Strip as winter approaches.

The organization explained that microbiological contamination in Gaza’s water has nearly tripled in eight months, from less than 6% in January to more than 18% in August, after analyzing more than 6,700 samples.

It also recorded a significant increase in cases of acute diarrhea, from about 27,000 cases in March to more than 48,000 cases in August.

WHO stressed that rain and winter weather could lead to the flooding of displacement camps and the mixing of sewage, garbage, and contaminated water with living and cooking areas, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

In addition, the organization predicted an increase in the spread of mosquitoes, pests, mold, and bacteria, in light of a health system that is exhausted and unable to cope with widespread disease outbreaks.