Gazze Faces Chickenpox Outbreak: Overcrowding and Hygiene Issues

In the Gaza Strip, refugee camps are experiencing a rapid surge in chickenpox cases, with over 9,300 cases recorded in just two weeks. Health workers warn that the actual number could be even higher. The extreme overcrowding in Gaza's camps, lack of access to clean water, and deteriorating hygiene conditions are contributing to the outbreak's rapid spread. The United Nations Health Cluster attributes the rise in cases to overcrowding, high temperatures, and reduced access to clean water. More than half of the cases were reported in the Han Yunus region. Currently, 1.7 million people live in over 1,600 camps in Gaza. According to UN data, the region faces significant shortages in drinking water, hygiene materials, and sanitation services. Health workers note that treatment for children primarily focuses on reducing itching and preventing secondary bacterial infections, but even basic medications are being rapidly depleted.